By Mahamood Fofana
The Government of Sierra Leone has intensified efforts to restore peace in Kaboro Chiefdom, Moyamba District, after a long running land ownership dispute between the Mandorbo, Gieo, and Mafors communities escalated into violent confrontations that displaced residents and heightened security concerns in the area.
Recognising the potential threat the conflict poses to public safety and community cohesion, the Ministry of Internal Affairs has stepped in to facilitate dialogue among the affected parties while establishing a structured process aimed at determining the legitimate ownership of the disputed land through lawful and transparent means.
The intervention follows recent clashes that reportedly stemmed from competing claims over portions of land regarded by each of the three communities as their ancestral property. The dispute has persisted for years, creating recurring tensions that have occasionally disrupted peaceful coexistence and threatened livelihoods in the chiefdom.
During a high level engagement convened by the Ministry, representatives of the affected communities, local authorities, traditional leaders, and government officials deliberated on practical measures to de-escalate tensions and prevent further violence. The discussions focused on replacing confrontation with dialogue while ensuring that any final decision would be based on credible evidence rather than competing claims.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants reached a common understanding that the ownership question should be settled through an impartial verification process capable of commanding public confidence. Stakeholders agreed that transparency would be essential to securing lasting peace and preventing future disputes.
To support that objective, it was resolved that an earlier land survey conducted by a surveyor appointed by the Resident Minister for the Southern Region would be subjected to detailed review. In addition, authorities agreed that the District Surveyor attached to the Moyamba District Council would undertake a fresh assessment of the disputed land to provide an independent technical evaluation.
Government officials believe that comparing the previous findings with the new survey will help establish a clearer understanding of the land boundaries and ownership claims before any final determination is made.
To ensure that the process remains coordinated and accountable, the Ministry directed the District Security Committee (DISEC), chaired by the Senior District Officer, to hold a follow-up meeting to examine all available documentation, survey reports, historical records, and other relevant evidence. The committee is expected to formulate recommendations that will guide the government toward a peaceful and legally sound resolution.
Officials say involving DISEC reflects the government’s determination to combine security oversight with administrative due process, particularly in disputes that carry the potential to trigger further unrest.
One of the notable outcomes of the engagement was a conciliatory gesture from representatives of the Mafors community. During the meeting, they expressed regret over the recent violence and appealed, through the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, for displaced members of the Mandorbo community to return to their homes without fear.
The Mafors representatives also reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities, stressing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation in rebuilding trust after the recent disturbances.
Addressing stakeholders, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs reiterated the government’s commitment to handling the matter with fairness, neutrality, and transparency. He assured all parties that no community would receive preferential treatment and that the final outcome would be based solely on verified facts established through the agreed assessment process.
The Deputy Minister further disclosed that once the verification exercise and adjudication process have been completed, the Ministry will organise a reconciliation meeting bringing together all affected communities. The gathering will provide an opportunity to officially communicate the government’s findings regarding the rightful ownership of the disputed land while promoting forgiveness, understanding, and lasting peace among the communities.
According to the Ministry, resolving the dispute goes beyond identifying land ownership. It is also intended to strengthen social cohesion, restore confidence among residents, and prevent future conflicts that could undermine development efforts in Moyamba District.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reaffirmed that dialogue, lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms, and inclusive community engagement remain central to the Government’s approach to addressing local conflicts. Officials maintained that sustainable peace can only be achieved when disputes are resolved through established legal and administrative processes rather than violence.
As the verification process moves forward, residents of Mandorbo, Gieo, and Mafors are expected to cooperate with authorities by providing relevant information and respecting the outcomes of the independent assessments. Government officials have expressed optimism that the measures now underway will pave the way for a permanent settlement, allowing the affected communities to rebuild relationships and focus on development instead of conflict.
