By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Sierra Leone – December 9, 2025: Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (LNP), a local non-governmental organization operating since 1996, has issued a statement addressing recent developments involving the Ministry of Social Welfare (MoSW), the Sierra Leone Police, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
A statement issued by the Lifeline Nehemiah Projects (LNP), said,
“For over 25 years, LNP and the Ministry of Social Welfare have maintained a productive partnership that has positively impacted thousands of vulnerable people across Sierra Leone. However, LNP leadership has condemned recent actions by the Ministry and the police, citing human rights violations and misinformation.
Background to the Meeting
On December 1, 2025, UNDP convened a meeting between LNP, the Kuntorloh community, MoSW, Kissy Police Division, and representatives of persons with disabilities (PWDs). The meeting was organized in response to LNP’s complaint of serious human rights abuses, including torture, indiscriminate firing of teargas, unlawful arrests, and looting of educational and building materials. Victims reportedly included LNP staff, beneficiaries, the family of Executive Director Rev. Prince Tommy Williams, and members of the Kuntorloh community.
In a public notice issued on December 3, 2025, the Ministry of Social Welfare failed to acknowledge LNP’s contributions during the meeting and instead advanced claims that LNP is not the rightful owner of the disputed land. LNP stressed that the matter is currently before the High Court of Sierra Leone and subject to an injunction prohibiting construction.
Disputed Land and Human Rights Concerns
The dispute centers on the Lifeline playing field and recreational space, used by 31 schools. Despite the injunction, the land has been occupied and is being developed by the Ministry of Social Welfare as part of a $1 million project for PWDs funded by the Government of India in partnership with UNDP. LNP has linked this occupation to ongoing human rights abuses involving police and ministry officials.
Key Observations from the Meeting
LNP highlighted several concerns:
- Exclusion of LNP and Kuntorloh community victims from planning, raising questions of bias.
- Threatening remarks by the Minister of Social Welfare, suggesting a predetermined stance.
- Denial of wrongdoing by Kissy Police Division Commander ASP Eric Murana Kamara, despite eyewitness accounts.
- Fear expressed by community leaders, including Chief Sesay II, who stated his life was under threat.
- Persistent misinformation portraying LNP as opposing development, despite its longstanding contributions to youth empowerment, women, girls, and PWDs.
LNP’s Recommendations
LNP concluded that the meeting was stage-managed and failed to address the core issues of human rights abuses. The organization has called for:
- An immediate independent investigation into allegations of police misconduct and human rights violations.
- Suspension of construction until court rulings on ownership and injunctions are finalized.
- Inclusive stakeholder engagement involving LNP and the Kuntorloh community.
- Protection for community leaders facing threats.
- Transparent implementation of donor-supported projects by MoSW and UNDP.
- Return of seized educational and building materials belonging to LNP.
- Support for victims through medical, psychosocial, and legal remedies.
Commitment to Rule of Law
Despite recent challenges, LNP reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and adherence to due process. The organization pledged to continue serving Sierra Leone’s communities while pursuing peaceful resolution of the dispute.
Media Contact: Abdulaziz Samura, Information Lead Tel: 077948512 / 078020702″