Over controversy surrounding the Rail & Port Agreement… Samura Kamara Cautious Government Over Potential State Embarrassment
By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Following the controversy surrounding the Government award of the Rail and Port Contract to Kingho Mining Company as opposed to Arise IIP, the Leader of the Main Opposition APC, Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara, has lend his voice, thereby cautioning the Government to be mindful about the potential embarrassment such controversy will bring to the nation.
According to Samura Kamara, after listening keenly with keen interest as an experienced personality and SierraLeonean in national economic management and nation building, to the recent broadcasts by very Senior Government Officials relative to a tripartite investment relationship between Government of Sierra Leone, ARISE and KINGHO, he would want to caution that whatever difficulties that are bordering on the aforementioned relationship, as a nation, we ,as a nation, must desist from going public until the relationship is orderly mended adding that it is not impossible.
He urged all parties to handle the matter thoughtfully in order to prevent any potential State embarrassment.
He again maintained that investor appetite for Sierra Leone is still lukewarm, maintaining how it is strongly advisable to bring both companies to the table for resolution and avert any subsequent legal entanglements.
Dr. Samura Kamara’ statement came in the wake of a significant development, as ARISE IIP’s UK legal representatives, LinkLaters, have sent a “Letter Before Action” to the Government of Sierra Leone.
The letter, dated November 1, 2023, is addressed to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources. It sternly advises the Government against proceeding with their recently announced plans, which were unveiled during a Press Conference at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown on October 27, 2023.
The legal notice issued by LinkLaters contains a clear warning, stating that they intend to pursue legal action against the Government of Sierra Leone if it proceeds with its current course of action. This action pertains to the approval of a new lease agreement with Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited, aimed at overseeing the development, expansion and management of the Pepel Railway and Port.
The ARISE lawyers have set a deadline of November 3, 2023, for the Government of Sierra Leone to provide written confirmation that they will not proceed with the actions outlined in the October 27, 2023 Press Conference held in Freetown.
In the event that the Government fails to comply with this demand, LinkLaters’ letter explicitly reserves the right for their client to initiate legal proceedings against the Government of Sierra Leone. These potential legal actions may include but are not limited to seeking injunctions, pursuing arbitral claims for interim relief and filing claims for damages.
As at the time of going to Press, the response from the Sierra Leonean Government remains uncertain. The situation is under investigation and further developments are anticipated.
In spite of all this controversy, supporters of ARISE IIP, are still holding on to the notion that Arise is the better choice for the contract as they have presented a better bid for the development, expansion and management of the Pepel Rail and Port that resonates with the joy of many.
