The Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono District has raised alarm over rising tensions among mine workers in the district and has called for urgent intervention from President Julius Maada Bio to prevent possible unrest.
In a letter dated May 11, 2025, addressed to the President, the chiefs expressed concerns about growing discontent among workers formerly employed by Koidu Ltd Mining Company. According to the letter, the workers are frustrated over what they describe as the government’s failure to address their end-of-service benefits and other grievances.
The letter, signed by P.C. Edward Saa Mbawa III, Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono, warns that the situation is becoming increasingly volatile, with rumors circulating that workers may resort to protests or violent actions if their concerns are not addressed by early next week.
The chiefs noted that while police and military personnel have managed to contain the tension so far, the lack of response from government officials is fueling further agitation.
“The situation is posing a serious threat to the peace and stability of the district. The police and military have done their best to calm tensions, but the workers have made it clear that unless there is immediate intervention from national authorities, they may resort to civil unrest,” the letter reads.
The letter also urges the President to act swiftly, either directly or through relevant ministries, to engage the aggrieved workers in dialogue and prevent further escalation. The chiefs emphasized that a peaceful resolution is still possible with prompt government intervention.
Copies of the letter were sent to several key government officials, including the Vice President, the Chief Minister, the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, the Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and the Resident Minister for the Eastern Region.
The chiefs have called for urgent attention to the matter, warning that failure to address the workers’ grievances could destabilize the region.
By Rosaline Turay and Elizabeth Kamara
