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Stakeholders of Charlotte, a historic rural community in the Western Area Rural District, have expressed growing alarm over what they describe as continued land grabbing threatening the future of their ancestral land.
Community representatives said the encroachment has intensified in recent months, accusing individuals they believe to be “strangers” of unlawfully partitioning and selling portions of Charlotte’s communal lands. These activities, they argue, are carried out with blatant disregard for local customs and ownership rights.
Valcasel, who identified himself as the Charlotte community focal person, said the situation has created tension among residents. He claimed that Sesay, one of the alleged key actors behind the land deals, lacks legitimacy and was imposed on the community. “Complaints have been made to all relevant authorities, yet no action has been taken to stop the land looting and damage,” Valcasel noted.
According to Valcasel, historically, Charlotte has served as the host community for two smaller settlements, Motem and Mortham. However, with rapid expansion of the nearby Mortem and Morgegba populations, stakeholders now want government support to formally separate the communities. According to them, this would allow Charlotte to self-govern peacefully and uphold its customary land tenure systems without interference.
The stakeholders are calling on the Anti-Corruption Commission, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, and the Waterloo District Council to urgently intervene in order to halt the land encroachment and protect the community’s rights.
Of particular concern to residents is the reported presence of military personnel who, they allege, patrol the area on a daily basis. Community members believe this show of force is intended to intimidate locals while protecting the interests of the alleged land grabbers.
“Some of these armed guards have set up what they call Benghazi, where they allegedly torture landowners who oppose their paymasters,” Valcasel asserted.
As tensions rise, Charlotte stakeholders are urging the authorities to launch an independent investigation, enforce existing land policies, and provide clarity on legitimate land ownership in the area. They also want assurances that citizens will be protected from intimidation as they seek to defend their land heritage.
“As landowning family members, we are disappointed because, even after the court’s injunction, the headman behaves as if he is above the law”. Valcasel stated.
Valcasel further noted that, the government and military authorities are yet to publicly respond to the allegations.
