Ministry of Internal Affairs Intervenes in Moyamba Land Dispute to Broker Peace

Ministry of Internal Affairs Intervenes in Moyamba Land Dispute to Broker Peace

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has moved to calm rising tensions in Kagboro Chiefdom, Moyamba District, following a violent land dispute involving the Mandorbo, Gieo, and Mafors communities, in what authorities describe as a critical intervention to restore peace and prevent further escalation. 

The dispute, which has lingered for years over competing claims to a parcel of land, recently flared into open confrontation, resulting in reported casualties and the displacement of several residents who fled their communities amid safety concerns.

In response, on 27th June 2026, the Honourable Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, accompanied by the Assistant Inspector General of Police (South) and the Local Unit Commander, convened a high-level stakeholders’ meeting bringing together all affected parties to chart a path toward a peaceful and lasting settlement. 

During the engagement, security and administrative briefings presented indicated that the situation had deteriorated significantly, prompting urgent calls for an impartial and evidence-based resolution mechanism.

Stakeholders at the meeting agreed on the need for a transparent process to determine rightful ownership of the disputed land. As part of that effort, it was resolved that an existing survey report previously conducted by a surveyor appointed by the Resident Minister for the South will be reviewed alongside a fresh assessment to be carried out by the District Surveyor attached to the District Council. 

To strengthen coordination and ensure sustained progress, the District Security Committee (DISEC), chaired by the Senior District Officer, has been mandated to convene a follow-up meeting on Monday. The session will review all available evidence and make recommendations aimed at achieving a peaceful and permanent resolution.

In a notable gesture toward reconciliation, representatives of the Mafors community expressed regret over the violence and appealed, through the Deputy Minister, for displaced members of the Mandorbo community to return safely to their homes.

 They also reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and long-term harmony among the communities.

Speaking at the conclusion of the meeting, the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a fair, transparent, and durable resolution of the dispute. He further disclosed that, upon completion of the verification and adjudication process, a reconciliation forum will be convened to formally present findings, confirm rightful ownership, and strengthen unity among the affected communities.

The Government of Sierra Leone has consistently emphasized dialogue, lawful dispute-resolution mechanisms, and community reconciliation as central pillars for sustaining peace, particularly in areas affected by land-related tensions, which remain one of the most sensitive drivers of rural conflict.

As the process unfolds in Moyamba, authorities say the priority remains clear: restoring calm, protecting lives, and ensuring that justice and peace go hand in hand.