By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Muslims in Sierra Leone have expressed joy and relief after the Honourable Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh successfully intervened to resolve a long-standing dispute over a 3.1420-acre state land located at Bai Bureh Road, Kissy. The peaceful resolution followed weeks of tension and uncertainty over the exact ownership of the land, which had sparked growing concern among members of the Muslim community.
The land in question was originally leased to the Sierra Leone Muslim Pilgrims Movement (SLMPM) for 99 years. However, the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning later rescinded the lease agreement, citing default in lease rent payments. Following the rescission, the Ministry sold the land to Randlyn Holding, a property development company owned by businessman Haj Fawaz, for US$200,000.
This decision triggered widespread dissatisfaction, especially among Muslims who viewed the property as central to their community. Calls grew louder for the government to revisit the transaction and ensure fairness. Responding to the rising tensions, Hon Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh took charge of the matter and initiated a marathon consultative process involving all stakeholders.
The Hon Vice President convened a series of meetings with the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Social Welfare, representatives of SLMPM, and Randlyn Holding. After careful review and extensive dialogue, Dr. Jalloh concluded that the sale of the land to Randlyn Holding be annulled. He directed that efforts now focus on assisting the SLMPM to regularize its ownership of the land, ensuring that the property remains under the custodianship of the Muslim community.
The resolution has been widely welcomed by the SLMPM and the broader Muslim community. In an official statement issued over the weekend, the Movement praised the Vice President for his leadership and fairness in resolving the dispute.
“We therefore extend our sincere appreciation to the Hon Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and to the Minister of Lands for their timely and judicious intervention. The Minister’s impartial directive affirming the Sierra Leone Muslim Pilgrims Movement as the rightful custodian of the property demonstrates a steadfast commitment to justice, fairness, and institutional integrity,” the statement read.
The SLMPM further noted that the government’s clear stance has reinforced public confidence in its ability to protect lawful ownership and defend community interests. Members of the Movement described the intervention as not only a victory for Muslims but also a demonstration of how disputes can be resolved peacefully through dialogue and consultation.
Community leaders expressed optimism that the outcome will pave the way for stronger relations between government and religious groups. They highlighted that the Vice President’s approach reflected both wisdom and sensitivity to the concerns of citizens.
Political analysts say the resolution has further strengthened Dr. Jalloh’s reputation as a consensus-builder and mediator, qualities that have defined his tenure in office. By prioritizing dialogue and ensuring that all parties were heard, he was able to de-escalate tensions and restore harmony in the community.
For many Muslims, the decision is more than a legal outcome, it is a reaffirmation of their trust in government. As one elder put it, “The Vice President has given us hope. He has proven that our voices matter and that justice will always prevail when leaders act with fairness.”
The conclusion of the Kissy land dispute marks an important milestone for the SLMPM, which can now focus on strengthening its programs without the burden of uncertainty over its property.
