Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Tensions flared in Diang Chiefdom on Thursday when hundreds of landowners staged a mass protest against a government delegation led by the Minister of Finance, Ahmed Sheku Fantamadi Bangura.
The delegation had traveled to the chiefdom to discuss new land lease arrangements for the Kasafoni Iron Ore deposit, but instead faced fierce resistance from locals who insisted that they already had a valid agreement with the Gento Group of Companies.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, residents accused the government of attempting to undermine their existing contract with Gento a company they say has already brought tangible development to the area, including road construction, a water dam, and a hospital. Many argued that these benefits give them confidence in Gento’s commitment, and they see no reason to reopen negotiations with the state.
The refusal of the protesters to engage with the visiting officials forced the delegation to meet only with Paramount Chief Sheku Magba III and his cabinet. This has raised concerns among observers about transparency and community participation in decision-making processes that directly affect landowners’ livelihoods.
Adding to the tension, sources from the Attorney General’s office have confirmed that the Paramount Chief and some cabinet members are under scrutiny, with allegations including serious criminal charges. Analysts say such controversies cast doubt on the integrity of local leadership and could further complicate the already fragile situation.
At the center of the dispute lies the question of land rights and contractual authority. Under the Mines and Minerals Development Act, mining leases require formal agreements between landowners and companies.
Diang residents argue that their signed lease with Gento grants them exclusive negotiation rights over the Kasafoni deposit, making any government attempt to reassign or alter the deal a breach of trust.
“We are not against development,” one landowner stressed, “but we will not allow our rights to be trampled on. Gento has delivered where others only made promises, and we stand by them.”
The Chief Minister has reportedly appealed to Parliament to pause all further negotiations until the matter is resolved. However, with frustration running high, the standoff has highlighted broader issues about land ownership, community consent, and the role of government in Sierra Leone’s mining sector an industry long plagued by disputes over resource management and local benefit-sharing.
For now, the people of Diang remain firm in their stance: their agreement with Gento stands, and they expect the government to respect it. The outcome of this deadlock will likely set a precedent for future conflicts between local communities, government authorities, and mining companies across the country.
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