By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has engaged residents of Peje Bongre Chiefdom in Manowa Town in a key stakeholders’ consultation to address a long-standing demand for the de-amalgamation of the chiefdom.
During the meeting, Kailahun Senior District Officer Alpha M. Sowa explained the purpose of the visit, outlining that over the years, certain sections of the chiefdom have expressed a desire to separate from Peje Bongre. Upon his arrival in Kailahun, Sowa said he encountered a formal proposal requesting the de-amalgamation of the chiefdom. He recalled visiting Peje Bongre to clarify that such a process requires patience and adherence to government procedures. However, reports soon emerged of sections of the community refusing to be governed by the current Paramount Chief, failing to pay local taxes, introducing bylaws without the Paramount Chief’s knowledge, and even holding a sub-chief’s burial without informing the chief. These developments led him to request the involvement of the Ministry of Local Government for direct engagement with the people.
In his address to the gathering, the Resident Minister East, Gbessay Jusu Jaka Ngobeh, stressed that the stability of any chiefdom relies on unity. He urged the residents not to make decisions in anger, emphasizing that Peje Bongre was fortunate to receive strong government attention. He shared that the issue was first raised by the Deputy Minister of Health, after which he briefed the Minister of Local Government. Despite financial and scheduling constraints, he noted that the officials deemed the visit necessary. Minister Ngobeh also warned local authorities against inciting youth and assured residents that similar disputes had been resolved in other areas, adding that Peje Bongre would not be an exception.
In his keynote remarks, the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamina, conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio, whom he described as a leader committed to stability across all chiefdoms. The Minister reminded residents that Sierra Leone has 190 chiefdoms, and any request for an additional one must be strongly justified. He noted that Peje Bongre has been amalgamated for 71 years and emphasized that any decision regarding its status would follow cultural, traditional, and legal processes. He reaffirmed that, for now, Peje Bongre remains a single chiefdom in the eyes of the government, and all governance structures must continue as such until a final decision is made.
The Minister also raised concerns about some residents refusing to pay local taxes, warning that such actions could create complications if the government eventually approves the de-amalgamation and requires tax records for the election of a new Paramount Chief. He outlined the rotational leadership system, where sections alternate in the Paramount Chieftaincy or Speaker roles, but acknowledged that larger sections sometimes become impatient and disrupt the arrangement. He assured residents that their concerns would be documented and forwarded to President Bio, who holds the authority to approve or reject the de-amalgamation request. He also added that the team was prepared to present a proposed boundary map if separation is deemed necessary.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Alfred Moi Jamiru, later presented the proposed map of the chiefdom, showing the sections and boundaries that would take effect if de-amalgamation were approved. He encouraged residents to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the government reviews their proposals. The Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Charles Senesie, the Deputy Secretary of the Eastern Provincial Office, the Local Unit Commander of Police for Daru, and the Paramount Chief of Peje Bongre Chiefdom were also part of the delegation and made meaningful contributions.
During the open-floor session, community leaders—including the Town Chief of Manowa, the Youth Chairman, the Mammy Queen, heads of male and female secret societies, and several section chiefs expressed strong support for the de-amalgamation of Peje Bongre Chiefdom. Speakers such as Amara Morie and Adama Kama reaffirmed their communities’ long-standing desire for separation, arguing that de-amalgamation would improve governance and enhance social harmony.