By Alusine Sesay
Herders across Sierra Leone are planning to stage a nationwide protest in response to the ongoing killing and theft of thousands of cattle, a situation that has reached a critical point for many herders.
Alhaji Alpha Bah, who has lost over a hundred cattle in recent years, announced that a national meeting of herders is scheduled for next Friday. At this meeting, a decision will be made to embark on a month-long protest if authorities do not take action to protect them against bandits. During this protest, no cattle will be sold for any purpose.
Alhaji Bah described the situation as dire with the potential to devastate their businesses if the authorities fail to intervene.
He called on the ministers of agriculture, local government, and internal affairs to urgently address the issue to prevent further escalation and protect their livelihoods. Bah emphasized that there are laws in Sierra Leone, and those aggrieved by their trade should seek legal recourse. He accused local authorities, including the police, of exploiting herders under the pretense of addressing their grievances, yet no substantial action has been taken.
M.S. Jalloh, another distressed herder, revealed to Premier News that he loses two to three cattle a week to thieves. He fears that if this trend continues, he will be left without any livestock. Jalloh highlighted the brutal methods used by locals to kill their cattle, including firearms, poisoning of water sources, aggressive local traps, and machetes. He expressed frustration that perpetrators, when arrested and taken to the police station, are often released without consequences by the paramount chief of Makari Chiefdom.
“This state of affairs has rendered the community unsafe to rear cattle, as we are recording losses daily. It is very frustrating that we cannot get justice. We continue to suffer in silence, and we are losing our businesses. Protecting us is about protecting local businesses,” Jalloh stated.
Premier News has learned that authorities, including the police and the paramount chief, are not doing enough to protect cattle herders. This lack of protection has forced some herders out of business due to the high cost of raising cattle. Another herder, Alpha Barrie, a herder, pointed out that this situation has contributed to the high cost of meat in the market.
The herders are calling on the government of President Julius Maada Bio, who has committed to promoting agriculture, to protect them against thieves and ensure they have access to justice. They emphasize that they are farmers who deserve government protection.
This appeal highlights the urgent need for government intervention to safeguard the livelihoods of cattle herders in Makari Chiefdom and ensure their safety and business continuity.