The National Land Commission (NLC) on Wednesday 25th May 2025, held collaborative discussions with key land stakeholders in the Koinadugu District, with a view of brokering a peaceful resolution to ongoing land dispute, heightened by violent clashes, between Diang and Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdoms, which led to the death of two people.
The objective of the trip was to gather first-hand information, appreciate the interventions made by the district stakeholders, and admonish both parties to remain calm while investigations continue.
Group Picture with Key Land Stakeholders in front of the Koinadugu District Council Hall After a First meeting with PC Gbawuru Mansaray of Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom
Key stakeholders involved in the engagements include, the Chairman Koinadugu District Council, Lawrence T. Kargbo, Chairman of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs Koinadugu Chiefdom, PC Jalloh, PC Gbawuru Mansaray, Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom, PC Sheku Magba Kamara Diang Chiefdom, representatives of the security divisions, including the Office of National Security (ONS), Local Unit Head representative of the Sierra Leone Police and military.
The NLC team was led by the Deputy Commissioner General, accompanied by the Legal, Monitoring and Evaluation department and Corporate Communication and Advocacy Commissioners.
The trail of events suggests land dispute over boundary which dates decades, was spurred by rumours that PC Gbamuru Mansaray of Wara Wara Yagala had sold a large piece of land in the disputed area.
These unconfirmed rumours led to Diang Chiefdom youth well planned mobilisation, which culminated to violent and clashes on the unprepared village in the Wara Wara Yagala Chiefdom section, leading to the death of two villagers.
NLC Legal Commissioner Thomas Beah Esq prevailed on both parties to respect the law and pursue peaceful resolution. He emphasised that the youth must refrain from violence, and allow the due process of the law to take its course, guided by the Paramount Chief (s), as traditional leader(s) and head (s) of land administration in the villages.
Reiterated calls for a peaceful resolution of the dispute were made by Deputy Commissioner General National Land Commission, Susan M. Rogers and the Sierra Leone Police.
