Military and Police Ensure Peaceful SLPP Lower-Level Elections in Mile 91’s Yoni Mabanta and Mabang After Tensions

On Saturday, 1st March 2025, the Mile 91 Division of the Sierra Leone Police, supported by the Formed Police Unit from Freetown and personnel from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), effectively secured the Lower Level Constituency election for the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).

The election took place in Constituencies 047 (Yoni Mabanta Chiefdom) and 049 (Mabang and Malal Chiefdom) after being relocated from Mabang Court Barray due to escalating violence in recent weeks among party supporters. Local Unit Commander, Superintendent Ishmael Koroma, oversaw the operation, ensuring a peaceful environment for voters.

The election followed a troubling period in the area, marked by violence during earlier elections in Constituencies 047, 048, and 049, where incidents included the tragic death of a 19 year old boy, Madieu Kabia, who was set ablaze in Mabang Town. Numerous arrests were made, with many youths transferred to Freetown for further investigation.

The election process was managed by Ahmed John Conteh, the district organizing secretary, alongside Ibrahim Jalloh, the district financial secretary, commonly known as Vanpasie. Candidates competed for ten positions, including Chairman, Secretary, Women’s Leader, Youth Leader, Organizing Secretary, Public Relations Officer, Financial Secretary, Treasurer, Chaplain, and Imam.

The aspirants for those positions agreed to select their members through a unique consensus during a consultative meeting with party members. The collaborative approach aimed to prioritize harmony within the party and mitigate any potential conflicts.

At the conclusion of the election, Mr. Ahmed John Conteh expressed sincere gratitude to the security forces for their professionalism, which was pivotal in ensuring a smooth election process.

Currently, the atmosphere in Mile 91 was markedly calmer, with police and armed security personnel conducting patrols throughout the township to maintain peace and order. The successful election marked a hopeful step forward for the community, aiming to restore trust and stability in local governance.