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A day-long dialogue meeting held by the District Multi-Stakeholders Platform (DMSP) in Soro Gbeima Chiefdom Pujehun District, aimed to address escalating tensions between the Zoker Family of Fairo Town and the Kemokai Family of Maleima one over land ownership disputes.
The engagement took place at Maleima Junction and sought to foster peace and resolution in the community.
The conflict arose when AbdulRaman Zoker from Fairo Town raised concerns with the Paramount Chief of Soro Gbeima Chiefdom Mustapha Jengay Massaquoi, alleging that the Kemokai Family was encroaching on Zoker family land.
Reports indicate that the Kemokai Family had sold portions of this land to Mr. Feika, a local indigenous individual, for the construction of residential properties and other developments. This situation has heightened tensions, prompting the Zoker Family to assert their claims more vigorously.
Paramount Chief Massaquoi expressed his dissatisfaction with the ongoing land disputes, emphasizing that such conflicts hinder development efforts within the Chiefdom.
He noted that his administration has taken proactive steps to mediate the dispute by establishing a credible committee comprising community members to investigate and address all arising conflicts.
The Chief also acknowledged the role of the DMSP in facilitating dialogue around land issues in the district, expressing hope for a resolution that would benefit both parties involved.
Festus Joseph Gbani, the District Security Coordinator Office of National Security reported that his office had received multiple complaints regarding land conflicts between the Zoker and Kemokai families.
He also addressed concerns regarding a Chinese mining company operating in the area, which has sparked further disputes. Gbani urged community members to remain patient as efforts to resolve these issues continue, emphasizing that the mining operations could provide significant economic benefits and employment opportunities for local youths.
Ibrahim B. Swaray, Secretary General of the DMSP, reassured attendees that the platform has a strong track record of resolving conflicts in the district.
He reiterated the commitment to transparency and fairness in addressing the land dispute, highlighting the importance of identifying clear boundaries between the conflicting parties.
Throughout the discussions, various speakers voiced their claims to the disputed land, urging the government to expedite the boundary identification process.
Following extensive dialogue, Paramount Chief Massaquoi announced that a final verdict regarding the land dispute would be delivered on November 15, 2024, in Jendema Town.
Furthermore, a boundary demarcation flag was placed by the District Coordinator, indicating that no work would commence on the disputed land until November 15, 2024.
