Citizens of Koidu and members of the Executives of Kono Organisations (EKO) are holding a peaceful march today, Saturday, May 31st 2025, to show their appreciation for First Lady Fatima Bio for standing with them in their time of difficulties.
The march is being held to thank her for standing with workers of the Koidu Limited Mining Company and for speaking up on issues affecting them. On March 4, 2025, the First Lady joined mine workers in a peaceful protest, where they asked for better pay, union recognition, and improved services at their workplace.
Fatima Bio, who is from Kono, walked side by side with the workers during the protest. Her involvement helped bring national attention to their concerns and opened the door for talks between the company and its employees.
The workers’ main demands included formal recognition of their union, a 30% salary increase, overtime pay, access to clean drinking water, and financial freedom to choose how they receive their wages. Not long after the protest, over 1,000 workers were laid off by the company, which led to even more public concern and calls for fair treatment.
Today’s march through Koidu City is a way for the people of Kono to show their gratitude for her support. Organizers say it is also a reminder of the need to continue listening to the voices of local workers and communities.
No incidents have been reported during the event, and the march has remained calm and orderly.
We pray for our brothers and sisters to get back their jobs, but it is clear that what is happening is apolitical. A lot has gone wrong but let our brothers and sisters don’t be the one to pay the price.