By: Abu H. Kargbo
The Bombali District Multi-Stakeholders’ Platform (DMSP), with funding support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) through its implementing partner Green Scenery, has commenced a series of awareness campaigns on the Customary Land Rights Act and the National Land Commission Act, both enacted in 2022.
The campaigns aim to improve understanding of the new land laws among traditional authorities, landowners, land users, and women, while promoting inclusive land rights and responsible land governance within local communities.
Speaking during the engagement, Joel Kamara, FAO National Project Coordinator, said the sensitisation activities form part of a broader project designed to strengthen the capacity of the DMSP and promote inclusive decision-making in land conflict resolution across 12 chiefdoms in Bombali District.
He stressed that the campaign seeks to mitigate land-related conflicts, which he described as one of the contributing factors to Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war, while also empowering women to actively participate in land governance.
Quoting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report, Mr. Kamara recalled its recommendation that “all aspects of customary law and practices that discriminate against women in inheritance, land ownership, marriage, divorce, and the administration of estates should be abolished by Parliament” (Paragraph 345, Volume 2, Chapter 3, Page 171).
Similarly, Joseph Rahall, Executive Director of Green Scenery Sierra Leone, emphasized that the initiative seeks to reduce the long-standing overreliance on courts for resolving land disputes.
“Leverage the powerful composition of the DMSP to settle land disputes. The court should not be the first option,” he encouraged participants.
The Binkolo engagement, held on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, brought together participants from Biriwa, Safroko Limba, and Paki Masabong chiefdoms. The session was facilitated by Isatu Kamara of the Legal Aid Board and Ibrahim Sei Kamara of UAAHD.
Mariama Thoronka, a member of the Bombali DMSP Secretariat, reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to promoting land rights and advancing a just and equitable society.
“We remain focused on monitoring the implementation of these laws at all levels,” Thoronka stated.
Nameh Conteh, Chiefdom Chairlady of Biriwa, commended the Bombali DMSP for educating women on their rights to land ownership and inheritance as provided for under the Customary Land Rights Act, 2022.
“We have been marginalised for a long time as women, but today’s engagement will create an immediate impact,” she said.
Chief Yayah Conteh III, Section Chief of Bumban, Paki Masabong Chiefdom, also praised the DMSP for equipping local authorities with the knowledge needed to resolve complex land disputes and dispense justice within their communities.
A similar engagement was organised for Bombali Shebora, Bombali Serry, Gbanti, and Makarie chiefdoms at the Masongbo Local Court on Thursday, 29 January 2026.