The Chiefdom authority of Sahn-Malen Chiefdom have unanimously exposed the criminality and wrongdoing behavior perpetrated by officials of Green Scenery and FIAN- Belgium clandestinely working with depleted members of the Malen Land Owners Association prior to a shady and clandestine petition orchestrated by Joseph Rahall and Hon. Sheka Sama to discredits the RSPO certificate given to Socfin Agricultural Company.

According to the Paramount Chief, the so-called petition was shrouded in controversy and disagreement as 95% of the names that was published by Green Scenery is faulty and defective thereby exposing the deep-rooted hatred and malice Green Scenery and FIAN-Belgium have for the agricultural company in Sahn-Malen Chiefdom.

“95% of the Names in the petition lists do not signed the so-called petition list but was signed by Hon. Sheka Sama with few of his supporters and do not have the blessing of Sahn-Malen Chiefdom,” Paramount Chief Kebbie was quoted as saying during a general meeting with his people in the chiefdom.

Paramount Chief Kebbie was very vocal to the reality as he publicly shames the moves by Joseph Rahall and his surrogates like FIAN-Belgium for the endless provocation and chaos into his chiefdom which he urged the security apparatus to speedily intervened and bring the perpetrators to face the laws of the land.

However, public dissatisfaction are growing in Sahn-Malen as resident are calling on the government of Sierra Leone to advised Joseph Rahall and his proxies like the defunct Malen Land Owners Association to trek cautiously in their chiefdom.

The credibility of FIAN-Belgium is hanging on a thread after chiefdom authorities of Sahn-Malen accused the clandestine and surreptitious moves by close associates of FIAN-Belgium like Green Scenery and MALOA trying to mislead and incites hapless villagers against the authorities.

In a letter written by stakeholders of Sahn-Malen Chiefdom with the subject: Report of Investigation into lists of Persons alleged to have signed the petition objecting the RSPO Certification of Socfin, Sierra Leone sent by Malen Land Owners Association exposes the shenanigan of Green Scenery, FIAN-Belgium trying to depletes the chiefdom with fabricated and pathological stories.

According to letter: I refer to the above and state that investigations carried out by Chiefdom Authorities into lists of persons alleged to have signed the petition objecting to the RSPO Certificate of Socfin was found to be fraudulent. 95% of people in 34 villages on the petition list did not sign by themselves; somebody signed on their behalf. Few MALOA members, working in collaboration with some International NGOs carried out this criminal act. The few who signed were given wrong and misleading information. In fact, two of the villages mentioned on that petition list (Jao and Nyandehun) are not Socfin’s operational villages. This is forgery and act of criminal behavior at the highest level. How on earth can four years child sign a petition as it was the case in Kpanguma Village. These criminals will be prosecuted; one has already been prosecuted at the Malen Native Court and has pleaded guilty. Scores of names and signature of residents of Sahn-Malen have proved the fraudulent behavior of MALOA and their benefactors.

The Pujehun District Multi-Stakeholders Platform has also added their voice into the ugly situation created by Joseph Rahall, MALOA , FIAN-Belgium and the rest of others who are tirelessly sabotaging the efforts of President Julius Maada Bio in the country for their self-seeking and egocentric approach.

According to the different engagements by the Pujehun District Multi-Stakeholders within the chiefdom with targeted communities reveals that most of the people who signed the petition were not aware of signing a petition, some people only became aware to have signed a petition during the investigation meeting by DMSP, also learned that some people signed the petition on the pretext that they will receive supplies for the vulnerable people, some for employment, and others signed because they are aggrieved with SAC operations, in some communities the list was compiled by an individual and signed without the knowledge of those whose names were on it, some names written on the petition were under the ages of seven and below (like in the case of Kpanguma community involving Hawa Munda and Adama Magba respectively.

Both FIAN-Belgium and Green Scenery have met strong resistance by authorities of Sahn-Malen Chiefdom and the District Multi-Stakeholders Platform for Pujehun District which comprises of CSOs, District Security Coordinator, Chairman Civil Society, District Land Officer Pujehun District among other stakeholders within the district. Green Scenery and FIAN-Belgium should concentrates on the positive aspects in Pujehun District and stop the senseless calumny against the agricultural company in Sahn-Malen Chiefdom.

Link: http://guardian-sl.com/sahn-malen-chiefdom-reacted-to-deceptively-petition-lists/

PDF article2022 05 19 Sahn-Malen Chiefdom Reacted to Deceptively Petition Lists

The Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) – Action Yearning for Community Empowerment – has presented a meritorious certificate of award to Mr. Gerben Haringsma, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Socfin Agricultural Company in Sahn Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District.

According to the NGO, they presented the award to the CEO and the company in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the Sierra Leonean community and the economy.

Receiving the award, Mr. Gerben commented that as the principal shareholder and Country Director of Socfin in Sierra Leone, he felt proud and highly honored.

He disclosed that he started the company in 2010 and 11 years on, he said he was proud that the company is the largest operation in Sierra Leone and with the addition of its state-of-the-art oil processing mill, Socfin is the biggest such operator in the entire Africa.

Mr. Gerben, who attributed the success to staff who helped him build the company, stated: “I am honored when youths honor me because they are the future.” “When youths recognize my contribution to the economy of Sierra Leone, I feel proud,” he added.

Mr. Gerben, who disclosed that he has never received any award from the Sierra Leonean community, said Socfin has provided many opportunities dedicated to the youths to better themselves in the
future.

These, he said, include investments in food security, building of schools including secondary schools that are among the best in the country, provision of microcredit to women and youths, among others.

Mr. Gerben however lamented that there were many people that wanted to destroy the country and treat they should get them out of here.

Link: http://www.thesatellitenews.com/index.php/en/other-news/746-socfin-ceo-bags-meritorious-award

PDF article: 2021 12 16 SOCFIN CEO Bags meritorious award

According to the President, the last time he visited Malen Chiefdom was during the period of Campaign and he was welcomed in your large numbers to support me and with the aim of resolving the land issues.

‘In my manifesto, I promised the people of Malen to help solve issues around the lands if your votes we’re casted in my favour, you believed in my promise, and went out in your numbers to vote for me and my party. Among my reasons for today’s visit is to thank the people of Malen for voting for me in the last Presidential election.

After the elections, you have also patiently been waiting for us to resolve the land issue once and for all and to develop this country; I also want to take this opportunity to thank the Malen people for their patient.

‘I have already started the Peace process long ago by sending a committee to do fact finding that will form the basis of the action. I want to assure you all that, we are in the middle of the process, and from this day, I’m going to prioritize this issue to ensure that it is revolved once and for all.

President Bio also re-assured his audience that when he return to Freetown he will send a message to the Malen Land Owners Association (MALOA) and the Agricultural Company   for a tet-a-tet discussion  in Freetown to discuss on a possible and acceptable ways of resolving the existing grievances in the chiefdom.

President Bio also explains to stakeholders in Malen that Socfin Agricultural Company has brought huge amount of money to invest, and it is the responsibility of the government and the local authorities to provide them the platform, by hosting them and equally taking care of their investments.

“The truth is that, the company is now with us and we have started realizing some profits.

As it was said by Mr. Gerben, they have started realizing little profit in their bucket. Moreover, himself and Honorable Sama have started discussing around the grievances, I will tell them to continue talking and planning for peace and Development of Malen. I know the top most expectation of you all was for me to come here and settle your grievances.

President Bio was blunt to explain to residents of Sahn-Malen that as a government they have achieved a lot by implementing the free quality, I never saw light in Sahn, but now they are visible, which means development is on the way. Also, it was a very difficult task for you to send 4 or 5 children to school at a time. I am happier Pujehun District used to have high percentage of school dropout most associated with fees, now those pupils are attending the free quality Education, and “I am going to load their heads with Education”

In his succinct message to the people and government officials; Chief Executive of Socfin Agricultural Company; Gerben Haringsma applauded the President and his government in taking the strains to come and launched the phase 2 projects of the Mills.

President Julius Maada Bio according the CEO is showing that he is not a man of words but a man of strong action which will help to develop the country as a whole.

Also grateful to the people of Sahn Malen including the Paramount Chief and other traditional leaders for making the Socfin Agricultural Company a reality; and he will always be with the people of Sahn-Malen by doubling the Social Responsibilities across the chiefdom.

Finally, Gerben Haringsma also urged the Member of Parliament to come onboard and help push development in chiefdom.

‘I have being engaging Mr. Sheka Sama about 4 months ago to see how we can come together to develop Sahn-Malen’, he said.

Mr. Gerben also predicted that 2021 will be a year of prosperity and development in Sahn-Malen Chiefdom.

Source : Guardian SL, 25/02/2021

http://guardian-sl.com/president-bio-is-proud-to-open-the-biggest-oil-plantation-in-africa/

During his South/Eastern tour over the weekend, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio visited Sahn Malen in the Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun district where Socfin Agricultural Company operates.

After addressing the people of Sahn Malen including local authorities, the Independent Member of Parliament for the area and the Management of Socfin Agricultural Company, President Bio proceeded to open Phase 2 of the Mill Extension at Socfin.

The extension of the mill takes the processing capacity from 30 tons per hour of Fresh Fruit Bunches to 60 tons per hour. The total cost of the mill extension is estimated at US14.1 million.

So far, Socfin has invested about US$171 million in their operations in the country since 2011.

President Bio described Socfin as a very serious company that has helped to transform the lives and livelihoods of the people of Malen Chiefdom.

The President called on the people of Malen Chiefdom to embrace and protect the investment of Socfin in their chiefdom.

One of the company’s shareholders, Gerben Haringsma described the Year 2021 as the year of peace and reconciliation in Malen Chiefdom.

Gerben Haringsma described the people of Malen Chiefdom as very hospitable and accommodating. He praised the Paramount Chief of Malen Chiefdom, BVS Kebbie for his support to the company since its inception in 2011.

Socfin now has an enviable friendly relationship with the people of Malen Chiefdom.

The Independent Member of Parliament for Constituency 104 in the Pujehun district, Hon. Shiaka Sama admitted that his group and Socfin have been holding fruitful discussions in order for lasting peace to rein in Malen Chiefdom.

PC Kebbie thanked President Bio for visiting his chiefdom which he described as the biggest chiefdom in Pujehun district.

PC Kebbie also praised Socfin for developing his chiefdom to an enviable level that is admired by many visitors, both local and foreign.

In 2020 alone, Socfin spent a whopping US$1 Million on Corporate Social Responsibility in Malen Chiefdom and has paid US$260,000 lease money for 12,000 planted hectares of land.

The company employs 1,554 permanent staff and up to 2,600 seasonal staff and security contractors of about 940 workers.

The company pays 24% above the Government legislated minimum wage to their employees.

Socfin has the largest and most modernized mill in the whole of West Africa.

Source: Owl Press, 21/02/2021

http://owlpress-sl.com/president-bio-praises-socfin/

Post date: June, 08, 2020

By : Malen Land Owners Association

Both Socfin Agricultural Company and Kissy Industry are local manufacturer in Sierra Leone helping the government to boosts and actualized the Local Content Policy by giving back to humanity.

The steps taken by this twofold company should bestowed confidence to the government of Sierra Leone by giving the platform to more local industries to flourish in the country at a time like this when Sierra Leoneans needed most.

Jamel Shallop is the Chief Executive Officer of Kissy Trading In a telephone interview with this medium said the four thousand batter oil will help the improvised and the medicated soap will keep Sierra Leoneans clean as they will have the opportunity to wash their hands in all public places in a bid to mitigate the convid19 virus.

The Made in Sierra Leone/Locally produced goods is a step in the right direction which the government should help to propagate as best practices to intended investors across the world.

Gerben Haringsma owner of Socfin Agricultural Company was very vocal his love and desires he has for Sierra Leone and hope that with their little assistance to the government which will eventually reach the people across the country the convid19 will be a thing of the pass.

“Socfin Agricultural Company is busy harvesting and producing oil palm which can be used for local industries to produce the much needed medicated soap to see how we can eradicate the corona virus by constantly washing our hands on a regular basis,” he assured.

“With Socfin Agricultural Company and Kissy Trading there can be no shortages of palm oil as both companies are up to the task to deliver for all on sundry.

Post date: April, 10, 2020

By : Guardian SL

http://guardian-sl.com/socfin-kissy-industry-donate-to-sierra-leoneans/

Socfin never grabbed the lands of the people of Sahn Malen. It argued the lands in an above manner after holding extensive negotiations with the land owners, with the involvement of the traditional leaders, the government and civil society organizations.

FIAN International’s MD, Florence Kroff and her local partner, Green Scenery’s Joe Rahall have time without numbers done all they can to paint Socfin’s operations in SahnMalen as an example of post-colonial exploitation of Africans by former colonialist capitalists, though FIAN denies responsibility for the contents of Green Scenery’s publications. The truth of the matter is far from that.

Socfin’s nearly twelve years stay and long term investment plan gives hope to the Government of Sierra Leone that the country’s economy can be diversified from depending on the mining sector. Moreover, Socfin has helped the government to realize huge revenue from the sector through export duties.

The impact of Socfin on the economy was captured by the Minister of Finance, Jacob JusuSaffa in his 2018 Budget Statement and Economic and Financial policies for the Financial year 2019 in the Well of Sierra Leone Parliament in paragraph 19 when he told MPs that, “…the performance of the external sector improved during the first half of 2018. Total value of exports for the period January to June 2018 is estimated at US$518.8 million. The sharp increase in exports is accounted for primarily by the export of palm oil by SOCFIN Agricultural Company…”

Socfin is not a fly-by-night company that was established through the back-door. It followed to the letter the laws of Sierra Leone.

On the land lease issue, Socfin began on a very fruitful relationship with the people of SahnMalen – from land lease negotiation through the Government, to massive employment of youths and investing of millions of United State Dollars to establish the biggest palm oil plantation in West Africa.

It was most unfortunate that immediately the company started harvesting and exporting its produce, misunderstanding ensued between the company and the people brainwashed by civil societies like Green Scenery into believing that they deserve more than what was being given to them. This led to series of riots and destabilization of the operations of the company.

Green Scenery also accuses Socfin of land grabbing, completely ignorant of the agreement between the company, the landowners, traditional authorities represented by Paramount Brima V. S. Kebbie and the Government.

Unsubstantiated human rights allegations and all sorts of unhealthy campaigns have also been put up by Member of Parliament Hon. Samato cripple the operations of the company.

CSR – SOCFIN’S CONTRIBUTIONS TO SAHN MALEN AND PUJEHUN

The biggest non-mining DFI Company in Sierra Leone, Socfin not only provides thousands of jobs for Sierra Leoneans but continues to contribute to the country’s economic growth.Beyond fulfilling its CSR, Socfin continues to invest significantly in the following sectors.
Agriculture:

• To support the people of SahnMalen in agriculture, Socfin is directly involved in the yearly cultivation of 600 acres of boli-land with floating rice varieties for people within the company’s operation.
• Distributes annually 800 bushels of seed rice for inland valley swamp cultivation
• Distributes 351 bushels of groundnut seeds to 16 Women’s groups in Malen Chiefdom
• Construction of four fish ponds – one each in Kpangba, Gboyama, Jumbu and Senehun
• Supply of 135 bundles of fishing nets with accessories to four fishing communities; Gangama, Hongai, Massao and Kortumahun in Malen Chiefdom

Health Sector:
Providing medical facility in many parts of the country remains a challenge for the Government. People walk long distances from the district to major towns for medical services.
• SAC has invested hundreds of millions of Leones in the rehabilitation and supply of furniture to Niahun Clinic; reconstruction and electrification of Sengema Health Quarters; and Electrification of Sengema, Taninahun and Bendu Clinics
• Supplied Hospital beds to Niahun, Sengema, Taninahun and Bendu Clinics and furniture to Sengema Clinic
• Ambulance services for Malen Community with all expenses paid for by the company.
• Construction of one facility at Sahn and the provision of 24 hours electricity and water supply to the center

Education:

The 30-35 literacy rate of Sierra Leone is far below other countries in the sub-region because majority of rural children in Sierra Leone cannot get access to schools within their localities. Changing this narrative requires not only the intervention of Government, but also the private sector. Even before the proclamation of the Free Quality Education by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, Socfin had invested money in education in the Chiefdom.

• Construction of the new primary schools in Bendu, Mallay, Kortumahun and Sinjo
• Rehabilitation of Malen Junior secondary school and Kassay primary school
• Provided them with learning materials to facilitate teaching
• Sanitation facilities provided by rehabilitating water supply and the development of modern toilet facilities for these schools
• Payment of stipends to 9 teachers who were not on Government payroll and 2 security personnel in Malen Junior Secondary School, one teacher in RC School in Sahn and one teacher in Bendu Primary School.
• Payment of scholarship to 220 students; amounting to Le83, 000,000 (Eighty- three Million Leones) for BECE Students with aggregate 25 and below from Malen

Junior Secondary School
• Support of transport and feeding to BECE Students taking examination in Pujehun
• Support of transport and feeding to NPSE Pupils and their teachers in Socfin’s operational areas taking examination in Sahn
• Rehabilitation of Malen Junior Staff Quarters
• Financial support to all schools during the June 16th Day of the African

Micro Finance:
To support the growth of small scale/medium enterprise in the chiefdom, Socfin has provided micro finance to 102 petty traders in 27 communities in Malen Chiefdom with over 200 Million Leones seed money

Water and Sanitation:
Socfin has provided water-wells with hand pumps and latrines in all its operational areas which have helped reduce the outbreak of cholera in the chiefdom
Infrastructure:

Infrastructural development has been paramount in Socfin`s operation seen in:
• Construction of community halls in every village in its areas of operation
• Construction of football fields in village communities
• Rehabilitation of praying fields in village communities
• Construction and equipping of Malen Community Radio Station, worth more than Fifty Thousand United States Dollars
• Construction of roads, bridges and culverts in all communities in Socfin’s operational areas
• Construction of the Central Mosque in Sahn and the rehabilitation of Mosques in villages

OVERALL IMPACT OF SOCFIN’S OPERATIONS ON SAHN MALEN AND PUJEHUN

Sahn Malen Chiefdom that once was a sleepy economy has now with Socfin’s investment become a hub for job seekers not only from the district but also from other parts of the country.

Source: The Satellite News, 15/02/2020

http://www.thesatellitenews.com/index.php/en/other-news/570-fian-belgium-s-allegations-against-socfin-are-mere-lies