In a bid towards resolving long-standing tensions in Malen Chiefdom, the Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, recently convened a comprehensive dialogue session that brought together thousands of stakeholders, including government officials, development partners, political leaders, traditional chiefs, youth, women, and security personnel.

The meeting, held in Malen Chiefdom, was aimed at addressing the various issues affecting the people of the region, which have fueled a protracted dispute between the local community and the Socfin Agricultural Company, a multinational corporation that operates a large-scale palm oil plantation in the area.

In his opening remarks, Emmanuel Dawood, the Development Partner Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education expressed gratitude for the gathering, describing it as a “blessing in disguise” and commending the Chief Minister for taking the initiative to facilitate the dialogue process.

Chiefdom Speaker of Malen Chiefdom, Chief Robert Moigua, welcomed the participants and appealed to the sons and daughters of Malen to actively engage in the dialogue, urging them to avoid all forms of hatred, malice, jealousy, backbiting, favouritism, and political sentiment, but to focus on the greater good of the people.

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The dialogue session provided a platform for various stakeholders to voice their concerns and seek solutions. Acting Chiefdom Youth Chairman, Mohamed Elleson Sengeh, highlighted the lack of youth representation in decision-making processes and the marginalization of young people in terms of employment opportunities within the Socfin Agricultural Company.

Mohamed Dao, representing the motorcycle riders in the chiefdom and the district, raised issues related to environmental hazards and accidents faced by the riders while commuting along the roads, urging the safety department of the Socfin Agricultural Company to engage its truck drivers to ensure the safety of other road users.

District Chairman of the Sierra Leone People’s Party in Pujehun, Ambassador Eddie Massalay, acknowledged that the Malen problem has been long-standing, but expressed hope that with the support of the Chief Minister and its partners, the chiefdom would see a “green light at the end of the tunnel.” He highlighted the poor road network leading to Sahn Town during the rainy season and the issue of employment, where he said people from the chiefdom are often overlooked despite being qualified.

Regent Chief of Malen Chiefdom, Chief Alex B. Lamin, expressed his overwhelming gratitude for the dialogue meeting, stating that the people of Malen had given their land to the company, but have faced inhumane treatment, which has caused them great hardship. He disclosed that he has engaged the company’s stakeholders about the appalling situation of the indigenes, but the issues, such as the meager monthly stipends of 100 and 150 Leones paid to town chiefs and section chiefs, respectively, have not been addressed.

The Honorable Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Shaka Musa Sama, commended the pioneers for the initiative, stating that this was his dream to see his people living better lives and improving their living conditions. He thanked the Secretary to the President for his involvement in the mediation process, expressing confidence in his expertise in local governance issues.

Deputy Minister of Works and Public Asset, Madam Christina Queen Fofanah, quoted the Bible, saying, “Can they two work unless they agree?” emphasizing the need for the people of Malen to speak their minds and agree to bring lasting peace to the chiefdom.

Resident Minister South, Mohamed Elongima Kaindapa Alie, acknowledged the long-standing issues in Malen and assured the people that the government is committed to addressing their concerns and supporting the peace process.

In his address, Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh stated that the dialogue meetings held in the past will continue, as Malen Chiefdom has now grown into a significant town that requires better facilities. He emphasized that development cannot come without peace and urged the people of Malen to exercise patience as the government engages with the Socfin Agricultural Company to address their concerns.

The Chief Minister promised the people that the government would build a larger court barray for them starting this year and that the renegotiation of the agreement, which has been ongoing since 2011, will continue with the aim of finding a lasting solution to the various issues affecting the Malen Chiefdom.

The dialogue session concluded with Hon. Shaka Musa Sama outlining the key issues affecting the people of Malen Chiefdom, including compensation payments, annual lease rent, alternative livelihoods, revenue from palm oil sales, employment and welfare of employees, human rights abuses, community development, recognition of traditional authorities, environmental protection, and grievance redress mechanisms, among others. The participants engaged in extensive discussions and provided recommendations to address these pressing concerns.