All Eyes on Parliament
Sierra Leone’s Parliament is bracing for one of its most closely watched committee sessions in recent history, as the Public Petitions Committee (PPC) is set to begin deliberations on Monday, 7 July at 2:00 PM on a high-stakes petition regarding the disputed Kasafoni land.
Announced by Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas, the session will mark the official start of the committee’s inquiry into allegations of unlawful land acquisition by the Sierra Leone Minerals and Mines Development Corporation (SLMMDC). According to the Speaker, the committee is fully empowered to invite witnesses where necessary—a provision many see as critical to ensuring justice and transparency.
This sitting could determine whether Parliament chooses to uphold the constitutional rights of land-owning communities in Kasafoni—or risks rubber-stamping what petitioners have described as a state-sanctioned theft.
Turning Point for Parliament
The petition, laid before the House on Thursday, 3 July, accuses SLMMDC of violating customary land ownership norms and the 1991 Constitution by taking over lands in Kasafoni without consent, compensation, or consultation. The allegations have triggered a wave of concern among civil society groups, traditional leaders, and rural communities who view this case as a national precedent in the battle over land rights.
“This is not just about Kasafoni. This is about whether Parliament will stand with the people or bow to state-backed impunity,” said a land rights activist.
Committee Faces Heavy Public Scrutiny
The Public Petitions Committee—chaired by Speaker Thomas and composed of parliamentary leaders across party lines—now faces immense scrutiny. Monday’s hearing is expected to draw national attention, not only because of the substance of the petition but because it could establish the credibility of Parliament’s oversight mechanisms.
In announcing the sitting, Speaker Thomas assured the public that the committee would deliberate professionally and fairly. “If it becomes necessary, we will call witnesses,” he stated during Thursday’s plenary, signaling an openness to rigorous inquiry.
A Tale of Two Standards?
The petitioners argue that the government’s prior adherence to land acquisition laws during the Black Johnson beach project stands in sharp contrast to what has unfolded at Kasafoni.
“If the government could follow Section 21 of the Constitution at Black Johnson, why are they ignoring it at Kasafoni?” asked one of the aggrieved landowners.
National Stakes, Political Pressure
The petition comes at a time when Parliament is already under pressure, following the recent boycott by the All Peoples’ Congress (APC) over claims of administrative bias in the Clerk’s office. This has fueled concerns that the Kasafoni petition could be mishandled or buried, especially given SLMMDC’s state affiliations.
Opposition members, civil society monitors, and traditional leaders have warned against any attempt to undermine the process, insisting that the hearing must be fair, inclusive, and transparent.
Justice or Betrayal?
As Monday’s 2:00 PM session approaches, Sierra Leoneans from all walks of life are watching. Will the PPC act as a true guardian of citizens’ rights—or become complicit in the erosion of those rights?
“Parliament has a duty to protect our heritage, not auction it off,” said one chief from Kasafoni. “Let this hearing prove that the people’s voice still matters.”
Reporter’s Note: The Public Petitions Committee’s Monday hearing is expected to set a powerful precedent. Its willingness—or refusal—to summon witnesses and hold powerful actors accountable will shape public confidence in Parliament’s oversight role for years to come.