BDA Delegation Consults with Minister Jalloh Over District Power Crisis

BDA Delegation Consults with Minister Jalloh Over District Power Crisis

The persistent electricity supply disruptions in the Bombali and Tonkolili Districts have reached a critical juncture, eliciting significant public concern. In response, the Bombali Development Actors (BDA) have initiated formal inquiries with relevant authorities to address the impact of these prolonged outages.

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, a high-level delegation led by BDA Chairman Mohamed Sorie Conteh convened with the Northeast Resident Minister, Ibrahim Jalloh, at his Makeni residence. The primary objective of the meeting was to advocate for immediate remedial measures regarding the electricity crisis, which continues to adversely affect residential, commercial, and essential public services.

This engagement follows prior consultations with regional leadership from the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and the Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC). These collaborative efforts aim to identify the underlying technical causes of the regional blackout and establish a timeline for restoration.

Representing the coalition, Chairman Conteh characterized the current situation as a significant challenge to regional stability. He highlighted that the lack of reliable power is detrimental to the local economy, particularly for small-scale enterprises and service providers that form the backbone of the region’s livelihoods.

"Our objective is to foster a productive dialogue rather than a confrontation," Mr. Conteh stated. "It is imperative that we obtain verified information to facilitate informed and constructive advocacy on behalf of our constituents."

Resident Minister Ibrahim Jalloh acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting that the outages have broad implications across the district. He commended the BDA for maintaining a diplomatic and professional approach, emphasizing that responsible civic engagement is essential during periods of public dissatisfaction.

He alluded to historical challenges regarding energy infrastructure and underscored the necessity of maintaining public order. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize constructive solutions and cautioned against actions that might compromise regional stability.

"While the frustrations of the public are entirely valid, it is vital that we manage this crisis with a shared sense of responsibility and decorum," the Minister remarked.

Jalloh further committed to taking proactive steps, including a formal summons of EDSA management to provide a comprehensive technical briefing. He also noted that his ongoing assessment of the Bumbuna hydroelectric facility will provide critical data to inform the government's response strategy.

The BDA—a multi-sectoral coalition including civil society organizations, legal professionals, trade unions, and bipartisan political representatives—continues to serve as a unified platform for promoting regional development and institutional accountability.

The immediate priority for the residents of Bombali and Tonkolili remains the prompt restoration of power.

Beyond the technical resolution, this crisis serves as a benchmark query of governance, transparent communication, and the consistent delivery of essential public utilities.