The demolition of houses in Angola Town in March 2024 continues to spark outrage among the affected landowners, who are now questioning the leadership of the Sierra Leone Parliament over the conspicuous delay in releasing an investigative report on the illegal demolitions. Despite the passage of time and ongoing investigations, these individuals have yet to receive clarity or justice regarding their plight.
During engagements with the affected parties, it became evident that they were not notified by the Ministry of Lands about the pending demolition. Alarmingly, there was no court order to sanction such actions, raising serious concerns about the legality of the Ministry’s conduct. The landowners expressed dismay, stating that prior to the demolition, they were neither invited nor consulted by the Ministry regarding the legality of their occupation of the land, nor were they asked to provide proof of their claims. This lack of communication and transparency has fueled their frustration and sense of injustice.
According to the affected individuals, after the demolition, they took up the matter with the Ministry, presenting their respective land documents as proof of legitimate ownership of the said properties, but no clear response was given that negates their ownership. Angered by this seeming failure of the Lands Ministry to provide any viable reason for the said demolition, the aggrieved landowners sought redress from the Parliamentary Committee on Lands. The Committee assured them of investigating the matter and making public its findings.
Unfortunately, to date, the Parliamentary Committee is yet to release its findings. This absence of a definitive information regarding the findings of the Committee’s investigations had added to the frustration of the aggrieved landowners, leaving many with the feeling of being marginalized and abandoned, a situation that raises doubt over the social contract between Parliamentarians and citizens, especially at a time when they are highly needed.
While some affected residents expressed gratitude towards Hon. Quinton Salia Konneh, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Lands, Country Planning, and the Environment, for his unwavering support following the illegal demolitions, they remain perplexed by the lack of progress. Sources around the corridors of the Sierra Leone Parliament have intimated that a senior member of the executive branch, whose identity remains confidential, is allegedly attempting to stall the release of the report in favor of a foreign company, protecting foreigners against their own citizens. This has only intensified concerns over the integrity of parliamentary proceedings and the apparent disregard for local landowners’ rights.
The affected parties have now issued a heartfelt call to the leadership of Parliament, urging them to ensure the timely release of the report compiled by the Committee on Lands. They believe that public disclosure of the findings is crucial for achieving justice and accountability in this distressing situation. With over one year and six months gone by without action from the relevant authorities, the urgency of their plea cannot be overstated.
President Julius Maada Bio has publicly committed to protecting the interests of Sierra Leoneans regarding land ownership in the Western Area. His government has emphasized the significance of securing land rights for local communities, involving traditional landowners in discussions, and advocating for fair compensation and benefits for affected parties. These initiatives align with President Bio’s broader administration’s goals of safeguarding citizens’ rights while prioritizing community engagement in decision-making processes.
Furthermore, the government has introduced legislative reforms aimed at strengthening land ownership rights, ensuring that the benefits of land use are equitably shared among stakeholders. This reflects an understanding of international best practices and a commitment to enhancing the welfare of citizens.
Despite these positive developments, the appeal for the intervention of President Bio by the affected landowners, underscores a flicker of hope. Recently, President Bio reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring that citizens enjoy their land rights free from undue hindrances.
It is essential for Parliament to rally behind Hon. Quinton Salia Konneh and support his efforts to address the grievances of the Angola Town landowners. The continued silence and inaction from the authorities, risk deepening the sense of disillusionment among the populace, undermining the very principles of justice and fairness that underpin a democratic society.
As the affected parties await a response, it is clear that decisive action is required to restore their faith in governance and provide reassurance that their voices matter in every corner of Sierra Leone. The time for accountability and justice is now, and it rests squarely on the shoulders of the Members of Parliament and the Executive. Only through transparency, inclusivity, and upholding citizens’ rights can the government fulfill its promise to protect the interests of all Sierra Leoneans.
