Manowa Town, Peje Bongre Chiefdom, Kailahun District, 14 November, 2025- The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has engaged residents of Peje Bongre Chiefdom in Manowa Town, Kailahun District, in a major stakeholders’ consultation to discuss the long-standing request by some sections of the chiefdom for de-amalgamation.
Explaining the purpose of the visit, the Kailahun Senior District Officer, Alpha M. Sowa, said numerous issues had emerged over the years regarding the desire of certain sections of the chiefdom to separate. He noted that when he was first posted to Kailahun, he met a formal proposal calling for the de-amalgamation of Peje Bongre. He recalled visiting the chiefdom to explain that such a process requires patience and due government procedure. However, he continued, reports soon surfaced that some sections were refusing to be governed by the current Paramount Chief, failing to pay local taxes, introducing their own bylaws without the Paramount Chief’s knowledge, and even conducting the burial of a sub-chief without informing him. These developments, he said, prompted him to invite the ministry’s leadership to engage the people directly.
Addressing the gathering, the Resident Minister East, Gbessay Jusu Jaka Ngobeh, emphasized that the stability of any chiefdom rests on unity. He advised residents not to make decisions in anger and described Peje Bongre as fortunate to receive such a strong government presence. He noted that the Deputy Minister of Health helped draw attention to the situation, after which he briefed the Minister of Local Government. Despite financial constraints and busy schedules, he said the officials deemed it necessary to visit. He cautioned authorities against inciting young people and noted that similar conflicts had been resolved elsewhere, assuring residents that Peje Bongre would not be an exception.
Delivering his keynote remarks, the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Amb. Tamba Lamina, conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio, describing him as a peaceful leader committed to stability in all chiefdoms. The minister reminded residents that Sierra Leone has 190 chiefdoms and that any addition requires strong justification. Peje Bongre, he said, has been amalgamated for 71 years, and any decision regarding its status will be rooted in culture, tradition, and legal processes. He stressed that, for now, Peje Bongre remains one chiefdom in the eyes of the government, and all structures must continue to operate as such until a final decision is made.
The minister also highlighted concerns over some residents’ refusal to pay local taxes, cautioning that such actions could create challenges if the government eventually approves de-amalgamation and needs tax records for Paramount Chief elections. He explained the rotational leadership system through which sections alternate the Paramount Chieftaincy or Speaker roles, but noted that larger sections often become impatient and disrupt such arrangements. He assured residents that their views would be documented and forwarded to President Bio, who holds the authority to approve or reject de-amalgamation. He added that the team was prepared to display the proposed boundary map should separation be considered.
The Deputy Minister of Local Government, Alfred Moi Jamiru, later presented the proposed map of the chiefdom, outlining sections and boundaries that would take effect if de-amalgamation is approved. He encouraged residents to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding as the government deliberates on their proposals. The Deputy Minister of Health 1, Prof. Charles Senesie; the Deputy Secretary at the Eastern Provincial Office; the Local Unit Commander of Police for Daru; and the Paramount Chief of Peje Bongre Chiefdom all formed part of the delegation and made meaningful contributions.
When residents were given the opportunity to speak, community leaders, including the Town Chief of Manowa, the Youth Chairman, the Mammie 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, noting that they believe it would enhance governance and social harmony.
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Frederick V. Kanneh
Senior Information Officer
MLGCA
