Hastings Residents Clash With Military Over Long-Standing Land Ownership Issues
Julius Mustapha Harding Hastings, a historic town in Sierra Leone, is witnessing a resurgence of violent land disputes as residents clash with the military over long-standing land ownership issues.
Despite previous court rulings by Justice Hannah Bonnie and declarations by former Minister of Lands Denis Sandy affirming residents’ rights, military personnel have reportedly continued to harass and assault locals.
The town, founded in the 18th century as a settlement for freed slaves, has been home to generations of families. However, recent events have intensified tensions. Adekilio Sheku Bangura, a local teacher, recounted his ordeal as military forces destroyed his property. Despite his efforts to avoid conflict, he was forcibly removed from his land, which was subsequently demolished under accusations of land grabbing.
Ibrahim Kabia, an elderly resident who has lived in Hastings since 1950, also suffered significant losses. His six-bedroom house, along with a newly built three-bedroom structure, were both razed by the military. Now homeless, Kabia and his family are struggling to find alternative accommodation due to high rental costs in the city.
The violence is not limited to property destruction. Ya Mabinty Kamara, another resident, reported being physically assaulted by military personnel while tending to her crops. Many residents accuse the military of conducting nighttime raids, leaving the community in fear and uncertainty.
As tensions continue to rise, the people of Hastings are calling for urgent government intervention to protect their homes and ancestral lands. The situation remains volatile as residents demand an end to the military’s involvement and a resolution to the land ownership disputes.
Ministry of Lands Housing and country planning should go there to investigate the problem and give final verdict
Mr President we need help from you to stop the ministry not to destroy our instruction please please Mr President we need Justice
The military guys are seeing no hope for their retirement.
We the people of the Hastings Wharf Community are calling on the Government and the Ministry of Lands to come to our rescue as the Military are harassing us.
Which particular lands are they saying of military intervention,is it Hastings wharf or up ITC?