By Sallieu S. Kanu
Freetown, Thursday 6th March 2025—Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD), and Marginalized Affected Property Owners (MAPO) of Koidu, have expressed their support for the recent intervention by Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Madam Fatima Jabbie Bio, in the ongoing issues between Koidu Limited and the mining-affected communities of Tankoro and Gbense chiefdoms. The First Lady’s intervention was prompted by video clips circulating on social media that showed her discontent with the inhumane and slavery-like treatment of company workers and the affected communities by Koidu Limited.
NMJD, MAPO, and the affected communities welcome the First Lady’s determination to ensure justice is served not only to the workers but also to the residents of Tankoro and Gbense chiefdoms. For over two decades, NMJD has been advocating for just mining practices that uphold and promote the rights of individuals and communities while contributing to sustainable national development. Despite their efforts, the people of Kono district have suffered significantly from environmental degradation, forced relocations, and health issues due to mining activities.
Background and Historical Context
The deteriorating relationship between Koidu Limited, its workers, and the affected communities has been an ongoing issue. In December 2007, MAPO and the communities organized a peaceful protest against Koidu Limited’s excesses, resulting in the deaths of two protesters, Aiah Momoh and Musa Momoh, allegedly shot by state security personnel. A Commission of Inquiry was set up, headed by Lawyer Jenkins Johnston, which produced a comprehensive report with recommendations that were never implemented, leading to a cycle of suffering.
In December 2012, the mine workers union of Koidu Limited staged a protest over low salaries and poor working conditions, resulting in the death of one person due to police intervention.
Legal Actions and Challenges
MAPO, supported by NMJD and the Public Interest Lawyering Initiative for West Africa (PILIWA), filed a legal action against Koidu Limited for human rights violations at the High Court in Kenema in April 2019. The case faced numerous delays due to missing files and other procedural issues. In October 2023, the High Court of Makeni ruled that MAPO did not have the legal standing to sue Koidu Limited. MAPO appealed the decision, and the Appeal Court reversed the High Court’s judgement in February 2024, allowing MAPO’s claims to be heard.
Call to Action
Despite the setbacks, NMJD and MAPO are encouraged by the First Lady’s intervention and urge all well-meaning individuals and organizations to support their efforts in saving the Kono district from further devastation. The First Lady’s advocacy echoes the same issues that led MAPO and NMJD to seek legal redress, highlighting the need for concerted action.
About NMJD
NMJD is a national civil society advocacy organization established in 1988, committed to building a just and self-reliant Sierra Leone. The organization empowers marginalized individuals and communities to take control of their lives and promotes respect for human rights and sustainable development.
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