Police Command Issues Firm Warning in Kenema Bike Riders Dispute

Police Command Issues Firm Warning in Kenema Bike Riders Dispute

The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) have issued a stern warning to all parties involved in the ongoing leadership conflict within the Kenema District Bike Riders Union, cautioning that any breach of public order will be met with decisive action.

Regional Police Commander East, ACP Joe Kamanda Bongay, delivered the warning during a mediation session intended to address growing tensions. 

The meeting included members of the District Executive, including Chairman Mohamed Kelleh Mansaray, and the Chairman of St. Charles Park, Morison Pessima, as well as the Regional Coordinator for CDIID East, CSP Osman Sesay.

The dispute stems from a lack of cooperation within the union leadership. Mohamed Kelleh Mansaray, the District Chairman, reported that St. Charles Park has persistently refused to recognize the district executive or engage in mandated union activities since his election. 

In response, Morison Pessima argued that his members would withhold cooperation until a power-sharing arrangement is established, citing that his members were not elected or selected by the district leadership.

Addressing the factions, ACP Bongay declared that while the judiciary is the appropriate venue for resolving the underlying legal dispute, any conduct capable of inciting unrest or violence will attract the "full force of the law".

The Regional Police Commander emphasized that deliberately obstructing union activities or encouraging others to do so constitutes a threat to law and order. 

He urged all aggrieved parties to resolve their grievances through lawful channels and reiterated the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police to maintaining a safe, peaceful, and secure environment for all Kenema residents.