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News & Events / Families in southern Sierra Leone sue to recover land from agriculture companies

Families in southern Sierra Leone sue to recover land from agriculture companies

Sierra Leone Court Starts
Sierra Leone Court Starts

Landowning families in Imperi and Jong Chiefdoms, Bonthe District in southern Sierra Leone have commenced legal action in the country’s High Court against African Lion Agriculture Limited (ALA) and Carmanor (SL) Limited to recover possession of around 2303 acres of land. The parcels of land are spread across Nyadehun, Tessor, Niangoihun, Bandajuma, Matakan, MoCharles, Gbaniga and Shenge villages.  The writ issued on 7th July 2016 also seeks the payment of rent arrears dating back to April 2014 and damages for trespass, among other reliefs.


In April 2013, ALA concluded rental agreements with landowning families, by which the company assumed control of the parcels of land amounting to 2303 acres to establish a palm plantation and refinery. ALA agreed to pay a yearly rent of $5 per acre, for a period of 25 years. Since 2015, Carmanor (SL) Limited has managed ALA and all its assets.


ALA paid rent for the first year, but refused to pay for subsequent years in breach of the terms of agreement. Landowning families made several demands for the arrears to be paid but they were ignored by the defendant companies, who continue to hold on to the land, despite a formal termination by the families. The conduct of both corporations has affected the livelihoods of dozens of households as they could not farm on their land or benefit from the paltry rental income.


The landowning families are hopeful that the court action will bring relief for them, with one member stating that: “we have been encouraged to have confidence in the justice system. The courts are our last resort. ALA and Carmanor have acted with impunity and we want the court to hold them to account.”


Namati’s Director, Sonkita Conteh Esq. filed the suit on behalf of the landowning families.


About Namati Sierra Leone


Namati is a legal empowerment organisation dedicated to putting the law into people’s hands. We partner with civil society organizations and governments to develop, implement, and evaluate legal empowerment strategies that address urgent challenges including:


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