By Sallieu S. Kanu
Tonkolili & Koinadugu Districts, Sierra Leone — A simmering land dispute in Sierra Leone’s northern region has erupted into a full-blown crisis, as government efforts to formalize lease agreements over the contested Kasafoni land have met fierce resistance from local communities. The controversy is raising alarm bells over governance, legality, and the country’s investment climate.
This past week, Finance Minister Sheku Ahmed Fantamahdi Bangura led a high-profile delegation to the Tonkolili and Koinadugu Districts, aiming to finalize lease agreements for the Kasafoni land. However, the visit was met with protests and public outcry, particularly in Diang Chiefdom, where residents accused the government of sidelining existing agreements and intimidating locals with heavy police and military presence.
“They came with over two trucks of police and military forces, which only heightened our anxiety and made us feel threatened,” said one community member.
Local landowning families claim they had previously entered into a mutually beneficial agreement with the Gento Group of Companies, which they say brought tangible improvements to their communities. Many now fear the government’s push for new leases could undermine those gains and violate their rights.
A senior mines expert, speaking anonymously, warned that the dispute could have far-reaching consequences:
“The moment issues start emerging from a mining land, the entire place becomes disputed. Serious investors will be deterred from putting their money into such an encumbered area.”
The timing of the Finance Minister’s visit has also raised eyebrows, coming shortly after Chief Minister David Sengeh urged Parliament to suspend discussions on the Kasafoni land until a peaceful resolution could be reached. Critics argue that the move signals internal discord and a possible attempt to bypass due process.
Legal experts caution that the overlapping agreements and lack of clarity surrounding surface rents and land leases could lead to prolonged litigation both domestically and abroad. Such uncertainty threatens to erode investor confidence in Sierra Leone, a country striving to attract foreign capital for development.
Local voices have grown louder in recent days, demanding transparency and inclusion in decision-making.
“We feel neglected,” said a young protester. “Gento Group has shown genuine interest in our welfare. Why should we accept an imposition from the government when we already have something good established?”
The Kasafoni land dispute has sparked national debate on governance, land rights, and the importance of respecting local customs. Analysts warn that failure to resolve the conflict could set a dangerous precedent for other regions, potentially deterring future investments and undermining sustainable development.
As tensions mount, the communities of Diang, Sambaia, and the broader Tonkolili district await clarity. Whether the government will pivot toward dialogue and compromise or press ahead with its current trajectory remains to be seen. For now, the specter of litigation and investor retreat looms large over Kasafoni — a cautionary tale in Sierra Leone’s evolving land governance landscape.