By Kadiatu Sankoh
Paramount Chief (PC) Haja Mariam Gassama Kanja IV has made an urgent plea to the Government of Sierra Leone to intervene and restore peace in Gorama Mende Chiefdom, which has been plagued by escalating tensions between the Muslim majority and members of the Wonde Secret Society.
In an emotional interview, PC Gassama expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence in her chiefdom. She apologized to those affected by the crisis, including those injured, jailed, or in hiding, emphasizing that she was unaware of the full extent of the violence as she has been in Freetown receiving medical treatment.
She called on President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Madam Fatima Maada Bio to take decisive action to protect the rights of the Muslim community and prevent further bloodshed.
She also urged for an independent investigation into the conflict, stating that she is willing to accept any responsibility if found at fault.
However, she firmly opposed the reintroduction of the Wonde Society in her chiefdom, advocating instead for effective conflict resolution mechanisms to restore stability.
PC Gassama also appealed to her fellow Paramount Chiefs across the country to support her efforts in restoring peace so she can return home in time to observe the fasting period.
Chief Kekura Muniru Gbanie, the appointed Chiefdom Speaker of Gorama Mende, shed light on the growing pressure within the community, leading to the suspension of Paramount Chief Haja Mariam Gassama Kanja IV.
He explained that the tensions date back to 2002, when Gabriel Madiyia attempted to revive the Wonde Society, despite opposition from the then Speaker, Bernard Margai, and other community members.
The Wonde Society had been inactive in the chiefdom since 1984, and the majority of the population—about 90 percent—opposed its reintroduction. Other traditional societies, such as the Poro and Sande, have continued without issue.
The longstanding dispute between the Muslim majority and the Wonde Secret Society has now escalated into a full-blown crisis, with violent clashes erupting in Gorama Mende Chiefdom. The recent suspension of PC Gassama and the appointment of a caretaker chief, Wahid Kallon, by Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Tamba Lamina, has only intensified the unrest. Many of PC Gassama’s supporters view such a move as politically motivated and unjust.
Reports indicate that members of the Wonde Society have attacked the Muslim community, including Imams, leaving several individuals with stab wounds. Fearing for their safety, many residents have fled the chiefdom. Some injured victims are currently receiving treatment at government hospitals, while several Imams, Chiefs, and Muezzins (prayer callers) have been arrested and transported to Freetown. Disturbingly, there are allegations that detainees at Pademba Road Correctional Centre are being subjected to mistreatment and torture.
Despite a high-profile visit by government officials—including the Minister of Local Government, Minister of Internal Affairs, the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Defense Staff, the National Security Coordinator, and the Senior District Officer—the situation remains tense. Instead of resolving the crisis, their visit reportedly aggravated tensions, as government officials were accused of pushing for the revival of the Wonde Society, leading to further outrage and clashes within the community.
Amid the turmoil, community leaders and residents are calling for an immediate end to the violence and for peace to be restored in Gorama Mende Chiefdom. Paramount Chief Gassama has reaffirmed her commitment to protecting her people and ensuring that their rights are upheld. She urges the government to take urgent action to de-escalate tensions and restore the peace that the chiefdom once enjoyed.
As the situation remains critical, all eyes are now on the government’s response to this urgent call for intervention.
