Parliamentary Committee Set to Address Land Rights Concerns Raised by Paramount Chief
Rtd. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, the Speaker of Parliament and Chairman of the Public Petitions Committee, announced that the committee would convene on Monday at 2 PM to address serious concerns raised in a petition presented by Paramount Chief Member of Parliament, P.C. Hon. Alhaji Musa Bamba Foray Kulio Jalloh III, in a pivotal moment for local governance and community rights. The petition was officially laid before Parliament on Thursday, July 3, 2025, advocating for the rights of communities from Dansogoia, Sambaia, and Diang Chiefdoms in Tonkolili and Koinadugu Districts.
During his presentation in the Well of Parliament, Hon. Jalloh III emphasized that the motion was not an indictment against the government but rather an effort to engage lawmakers in addressing the grievances of affected communities. “We respectfully submit herewith a public petition on behalf of the people, landowners, and traditional authorities of Dansogoia, Sambaia, and Diang Chiefdoms…,” he stated, invoking Standing Orders 17 and 70 (5)a of the parliamentary rules.
The crux of the petition centers around recent declarations made by the Sierra Leone Mines and Minerals Development and Management Corporation (SLMMDC) and the Ministry of Information and Civic Education. These statements claim to grant exclusive ownership and leasing authority over the Kasafoni area to the SLMMDC, igniting ire among local stakeholders who believe such moves infringe upon their customary land ownership rights. Hon. Jalloh III pointed out that these actions are in stark violation of national laws, including the Customary Land Rights Act of 2022 and the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022.
According to the petitioners, the activities of the SLMMDC undermine not only traditional land ownership but also jeopardize existing lawful lease agreements, particularly one established with the Gento Group of Companies. By raising awareness about these critical issues, the Paramount Chief aims to mobilize parliamentary support in recognizing and validating community rights. “We seek the intervention of Parliament to recognize our lawful lease agreement and ask that section 2 of the regulation be deemed invalid as it contradicts the Constitution of Sierra Leone,” he declared, underscoring the importance of legislative action to safeguard community interests.
The urgency of the matter was echoed by fellow parliamentarian Hon. Jawah Sesay, who seconded the motion, expressing solidarity with the petitioners. Both lawmakers urged their colleagues to view the issues through a lens of fairness and justice, highlighting how timely intervention could foster a more harmonious relationship between extractive industries and local communities.
In response to the substantial nature of the petition, Speaker Thomas indicated that the Public Petitions Committee may call upon witnesses to provide further insight into the conflict surrounding the SLMMDC regulations. This intention to invite testimonies underscores the seriousness with which the committee intends to approach the issue, ensuring all parties have a platform to voice their perspectives.
The unfolding situation places the Parliament of Sierra Leone at a critical crossroads between national interests and local rights. Local communities are particularly anxious as they watch parliamentary deliberations unfold, hoping for a resolution that honors their historical claims to the land and addresses their concerns regarding regulatory overreach.
As discussions ramp up in anticipation of Monday’s meeting, various stakeholders, including civil society organizations and local advocacy groups, have expressed their support for the petitioners. They argue that addressing land rights is essential for social stability and long-term development within affected regions. Community members hope the Parliament will respond with the urgency and sensitivity the situation demands, particularly in light of Sierra Leone’s ongoing struggles related to land governance and resource management.
The meeting of the Public Petitions Committee promises to be a significant step toward resolving the contentious issue of land ownership and rights in Sierra Leone. With growing attention on this matter, both the government and local communities now face heightened scrutiny as they negotiate the complexities of land use, tradition, and modern governance. As the nation watches closely, the outcome of this petition could set a crucial precedent for the future of communal rights in the context of national and international mining practices.
