JFK Raises Legal, Political Concerns Over Sierra Leone’s New Districts and Councils
APC strongman Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara JFK has raised concerns over the government’s recent gazetting of 30 Establishment Orders formally creating two new districts—Bandajuma and Kpanguima—and eight new councils, questioning the legal basis, consultation process and potential political and economic implications of the move.
In a statement, JFK acknowledged the government’s position that the restructuring is intended to bring governance closer to citizens but argued that the process has been affected by what he described as legal ambiguity, political considerations and potential social and practical consequences.
A major concern raised is the basis for creating the new districts. JFK argued that the decision was premature because it was not informed by credible and validated population data from a new census. He contrasted the current process with the creation of Falaba and Karene Districts in 2017, which he said was based on the 2015 Population and Housing Census.
According to the figures cited, the 2015 Census recorded 205,353 people in Falaba District and 285,546 in Karene District.
JFK also criticised what he described as inadequate public consultation, particularly regarding the division of Freetown. He argued that communities directly affected by the changes should have been meaningfully engaged before the decisions were taken.
The All People’s Congress (APC) has also criticised the administrative restructuring, accusing the government of pursuing the process without what it described as sufficient transparency, data and community engagement.
Another major concern raised is the potential political impact of the new administrative boundaries. JFK alleged that the creation of additional districts and the division of Freetown could result in more parliamentary and local government positions in areas perceived to be politically favourable to the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP).
He described the move as politically motivated and warned that redistricting should not be used to influence electoral outcomes. These remain political allegations and have not been established as the stated purpose of the Establishment Orders.
Beyond electoral concerns, JFK highlighted potential implications for communities and local governance, including disputes over land ownership, boundaries and relations among neighbouring paramount chiefs.
He referenced comments by the Chief Minister, who has acknowledged tensions arising from recent de-amalgamation processes, particularly disputes involving land ownership, boundaries and relations among neighbouring paramount chiefs.
JFK further questioned the financial implications of establishing multiple new councils, including the division of Freetown into two city administrations and the creation of three new rural councils.
He argued that each new council would require its own administrative structure, leadership and budget, potentially increasing public expenditure and creating additional coordination challenges at a time when government faces existing financial obligations.
The statement also warned that repeated changes to district boundaries whenever governments change could create a cycle of administrative redistricting and potentially affect long-term political and institutional stability.
JFK ultimately called for greater transparency, evidence-based decision-making and meaningful consultation in implementing changes to Sierra Leone’s administrative structure, arguing that decisions affecting the country’s districts and councils should take into account demographic data, community interests, governance needs and their wider economic and social consequences.