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

Socfin Agricultural Company Sierra Leone Limited has spearheaded academic education in Malen Chiefdom in Pujehun District in fulfillment of President Bio and gov’t flagship project to once more remake Sierra Leone the Athens of West Africa.

In-line with the aspirations of the new direction Socfin  has from 2014 to 2020 academic school year provided the total sum of one hundred  and two million Leones in awarding scholarships to 252 successful BECE candidates drawn from Malen Junior Secondary School .To keep the aspirations alive and kicking Socfin has constructed modern school buildings with Offices and furniture at Sijoe, Mallay, Bendu, Kotumahun of recent whilst additional buildings are currently been constructed to upgrade Malen Junior Secondary school to the impressive and standardalised status of a Senior Secondary school Soonest .

Speaking at a very special and jammed  packed Administrate Court Barry in Sahn Township on Friday September 13th 2019 marking the payment of an additional 13 .5 million Leones to continuing students, Chiefdom Speaker SR Moiguah described Hon. PC BVS Kebbie, President of Socfin Mr. LUC Boedt, Socfin Shareholder cum Board member, Mr. Gerben Haringsma, Socfin General Manager, Mr. Philip Tonks as rightful partners and perfect combinations working in concert to develop war torn Malen Chiefdom and to help revamp the economy of Sierra Leone as a whole.

The Chiefdom Speaker further encouraged all particularly true land owners to continue to cooperate with staff and management of Socfin Sierra Leone for an all-out win-win situation which the Speaker reiterated is partly achieved.

The Chiefdom Speaker in turn lavished praise adjectives on Socfin for leaving up to its CSR ,citing the award of  scholarships , comprehensive road works , cultivating boli and IVS rice farms  for Upper and Lower Malen, providing Micro loans to boost petty traders , providing felt needed facilities for the health sector including ambulances, building additional health facilities with solar lights , providing jobs for over four thousand workforce , mostly youths , contributing to the country’s GDP amongst many others

Making their contributions both the Liaison  Manager, Mr. Joseph Belmoh and  Mr. EC Kuyateh called on the students together with parents to make proper use of the opportunities brought to the doorsteps of successful BECE candidates for the past years .

The two in turn made mentioned of the criteria which they stated must be strictly followed with the view of providing quality education in and beyond Malen Chiefdom.

Earlier the General Manager Mr. Philip Tonks once more reassured all of Socfin fullest commitment to revamping the economy and rebuilding war torn Malen and Pujehun District and the country in general.

Various statements were made by most stakeholders all in commendation of the good work of Socfin whilst those of the security sector once more called on all to keep the peace for better development to come to the Chiefdom.

For their parts parents as well as school authorities and students alike thanked Socfin for good work done and further promised to live up to expectations.

It could be recalled that the Executive Director of Green Scenery published an article which go viral in the social media in relation to the operation of the agricultural company operations in Sahn-Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District.

Sierra Leoneans who spoke to this medium applauded the judiciary for such a brave decision taken in the High Court of Sierra Leone and also called on Civil Society Organizations to work in the interest of the country and the people they served.

It could be noted that the operation of Socfin in Pujehun District has being a blessing for Sierra Leoneans dwelling in that part of the country as they can now breathe a sigh of relief to good, roads, Education, economy growth, infrastructure among others. However, sources close to some of the detractors of the agricultural company have said to have stopped all their negative propaganda and help the government to attract more investors for our jobless youths.

Residents of Sahn-Malen  applaud the strides being made by Socfin Agricultural Company in their chiefdom and Pujehun District as a whole.

According to the residents, a town which was once considered as an eerie chiefdom has metamorphosed into a works yard due to the timely intervention of the company and its Paramount Chief.

Chiefdom Speaker of Sahn-Malen – Robert Moiguah, says that the people of Malen chiefdom are pleased with the presence of the company, especially the development it has brought to the chiefdom and Pujehun District as a whole.

He said that residents of Malen and neighbouring chiefdoms in Pujehun district can now travel to Bo on the newly refurbished road which was once a terrible network.

“You can now travel from Bo to Sahn-Malen Chiefdom for 45minutes,” he said, noting that the road network from Koribondo to the chiefdom headquarters has been very well improved with the help of the agricultural company.

Chief Robert Moiguah in his quest for peace and tranquillity to prevail in his chiefdom, is calling on the various civil society organizations to stop peddling negative stories about the chiefdom, but urges them to have  constructive dialogue with the government and other stakeholders to find lasting truce in the chiefdom which will attract more investors.

Hundreds of workers across the company are urging President Bio and his New Direction government to find a lasting solution to the conflict in Malen.

Recent serious unrest which took place in the chiefdom, resulted in the death of two Sierra Leonean. This prompted the Sierra Leone Police to make a series of arrests – including the legislative representative who has been charged to court for various offences.

Though tranquillity is slowly returning, there are feelings of uneasiness among expatriates and local staffs working for the company, due to the slow pace at which the government is handling the Malen issues.

In response to calls from his subjects, Paramount Chief Victor Brima Kebbie is appealing to the government and other stakeholders to bring lasting peace to his chiefdom.

According to the Paramount Chief, the concerns raised by the Human Rights Organizations, calling on the government to take action against the agricultural company are purely unfounded, as both the central government and other stakeholders have exonerated the company from these allegations.

Sierra Leone, according to the traditional leader, is a hub for investors but the narrative must be changed if  the country is to continue to attract genuine investors.

The land tenure system in the country is not without some headaches, but people must be law-abiding and refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

The mill according to workers, processes about 60 tons of palm fruits per hour, with a rate of oil production of around 22%; generating its own electricity through a steam boiler (20ton/hr steam) that runs on the fibers of the fruits. The capacity of the generating turbine is 1.8Megawatts which will produce the first phase 1.2Megawatts of electricity.

Rural people need arable lands to farm, but there is the desperate need to balance self-interest with national interest. And it is against this backdrop of national interest that an official agreement was reached for Socfin to establish in Sahn Malen Chiefdom, just as other agricultural companies have established in other parts of the country, such as ADDAX in the northern region.

Therefore, it is easy to see how attacking the Socfin operation in Sahn Malen Chiefdom could undermine the authority and work of central government and the entire leadership of Pujehun District.

Sierra Leone Telegraph – 14/03/2019

https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/socfin-must-stay-workers-demand/

The agricultural company has given a facelift to Sahn-Malen Chiefdom as the entire chiefdom was a ghost town but with the intervention of the Agricultural company the chiefdom is a works yard.

Since the inception of the company to date Green Scenery have being publishing all sorts of stories on the agricultural company in which various government institutions have exonerated them.

The government of President Julius Maada Bio within this shortest possible time in office has instructed series of independent findings investigation into the Malen issues, all of these findings have vindicated the agricultural company of wrong doings.

Several investors are out there observing the Socfin issues in Pujehun District; it is the duty of the government to protect investors that are coming to invests in the country.

Allowing Civil Society Organizations to make all sorts statement against genuine investors that have done so much for Sierra Leone will not help the government in any shape of form.

Hundreds of workers working at the Agricultural Company who spoke to this medium via telephone repeatedly reiterated that there is no form of Human Rights Violations as alleged by some Civil Society Organizations.

The workers extolled the company for cooperating fully with their corporate social responsibility across the chiefdom as they continued to help in areas of agriculture, education, health care amongst others.

The government of President Julius Maada Bio should know that some of these Civil Society campaigners are deliberately sabotaging the New Direction government to potential investors wanted to invest in the country.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation was over the radio recently calling on investors to come and invest in the country, what Mr. Allie Kabba should do is to engaged CSOs on how they can compliments the efforts of the government to lure credible investors in the country.

All of the necessary steps the Human Rights Organizations are calling on the government to take action are purely not happening within the operational areas of the company.

Sierra Leone is hub for investors, but the attitude of some of these Human Rights campaigners towards genuine investors is appalling to say the least.

If not for the resilient and fortitude and love they have for Sierra Leone the Agricultural Company should have long leave the country and finds somewhere more favorable and encouraging to invests.
It is fact that the land tenure system in the country is not without some headaches, but as law-abiding citizens, we should have absolute respect for whatever decision the Central Government and the local authorities have taken on behalf of the country and the people.

Our rural people need arable lands to farm but we should also equally understand that national interest always supersedes self-interest. And it was against the backdrop of national interest that an official agreement was reached for Socfin to establish in Sahn Malen Chiefdom just as other agricultural companies have established in other parts of the country like ADDAX in the northern region. Therefore, challenging the operation of Socfin in Sahn Malen Chiefdom is tantamount to undermining the authority of the Central Government and the entire leadership of Pujehun District. The lawless and spineless dissenters should not be allowed to go scot-free with their callousness and heartlessness which are anathema to national development.

The Spectator Newspaper – 12/03/2019

http://www.thespectatornewspaper.sl/articles/socfin-here-stay

Rice and palm oil are the two most popular, daily staple foods consumed by most Sierra Leoneans, with each person consuming an average of one kilo of unprocessed palm oil per month. With such high consumption level, the expectation is for palm oil to be cultivated in industrial scale to meet local demand and export.

But in reality, palm oil is produced largely in Sierra Leone by small plantation owners and family subsistence farmers, using traditional methods. Commercial palm oil farmers seriously lack the technical skills and finance to increase production and meet local demand. Hence, about 50% of palm oil consumed in sierra Leone is imported.

Successive governments have attempted to promote the development and modernisation of agriculture to create job opportunities and meet the country’s food requirements, especially local vegetable oil demand.

The lack of skilled workers, poor access to finance and poor road infrastructure have impeded the achievement of these efforts.

To address the problem of poor access to finance and technical skills, successive governments have focused their industrial development policies towards encouraging and attracting foreign investors to Sierra Leone.

So how did Socfin Agricultural Company get to Sierra Leone and what are they up to?

In 2009,  After visiting Socfin’s plantation in Liberia, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture officials  called on the Socfin – a member of the French group Bolloré, to help develop industrial -scale palm oil plantation in Sierra Leone, so as to reduce dependency on imports and increase export earnings.

Both the government of Sierra Leone and Socfin mutually agreed on a suitable site at Sahn Malen in the Pujehun district, South of Sierra Leone.

A bottom-up consultation process was initiated with all stakeholders: growers, landowners, traditional chiefs, and community leaders. After receiving the formal consent from the majority of local people in the Sahn Malen community, 18 000 hectares was identified for the project, of which only 12 500 hectares would be planted.

An agreement was concluded, which states that certain plots of land surrounding the villages and existing dwellings would be maintained, to enable landowners who do not wish to be involved in the project to keep their land.

Once the project was in place, agricultural works started in 2011: nursery development and gradual replanting of 12,500 hectares of palm plantations. In 2015 the oil mill was constructed, with the aim of becoming the main palm oil supplier on the domestic market and one of the country’s biggest employers.

The cooperation between the government and the Socfin Group enables the introduction of new agricultural techniques, which ensures the implementation of a soil fertilization program, including the introduction of cover crops on depleted soils and agricultural capacity building.

According to Socfin only 60% of its acquired land concession has been utilised, so as to preserve the wetlands – which most likely have significant flora – in order to create high conservation value areas.

But a few local environmental activists are accusing Socfin of land grabbing and for conducting what they refer to as an unethical investment policy in Sierra Leone. There have been several attacks on the company’s property and threats of violence.

A recent strike action by workers was resolved by the government, after a series of meetings with the company representatives and stakeholders, chaired by the country’s vice president Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh.

Socfin Agricultural Company has responded to these accusations by Malen Land Owners Association (MALOA) and other Non-Governmental Organizations such as Green Scenery. But reporters of the Sierra Leone Telegraph were unable to talk to the activists about their concerns.

According to the company, on the 15^th March 2014, Green Scenery started a campaign against the company by bringing a delegation of 27 Members of Parliament including the Chip Whip to Sahn-Malen, in an effort to bring the company into disrepute.

But the delegation unanimously agreed that the claims against SAC where without any basis and called on all sides to work together in the interest of the community.

Recent visits to the community by the vice president and the Council of Paramount Chiefs in the country in the wake of an ultimatum given by MALOA to the company, have helped in amicably resolving what was fast becoming an explosive situation.

However, a new threat is now surfacing from another dissident group in the chiefdom known as ‘Tiger group’. The group which is faceless is also demanding urgent action from the government or they will cause havoc within the operational areas of the company. Socfin is calling on the government for protection and intervention.

Sahn Malen was home to an old palm plantation belonging to the Sierra Leone Produce Marketing Board (SLPMB). When Socfin arrived, the plantation had little commercial value. The trees were over 50 years old.

The local authorities headed by the Paramount Chief expressed interest and willingness to work with an investor to develop the chiefdom and the district as a whole.

The plantation has developed around employing local people from communities to work in the plantation, initially in 2012, and 2013 it was very difficult as the various communities had been compensated for their land.

The company has adopted several measures to protect high conservation value areas by means of implementing a non-planting policy in the swamps – away from villages, creating a green belt around every village, and respecting protected forests.

Since its arrival in Sahn Malen, Socfin has not only increased production of palm oil in Sierra Leone, it has created jobs and invested in a range of community development projects, such as health, education, recreational activities and the local economy.

The company has funded the construction and running of a Community Health Centre and staff quarters, powered by solar electricity. It has recently rehabilitated the source of water supply.

Socfin provides funding for the costs of  medical care for workers and families and has recently built a new wing which houses administration office, stores, laboratory and doctors consulting room.

An emergency phone number has been established by the company (099:602000) providing 24hrs access.

Socfin has been instrumental in supporting access to education across the chiefdom. In 2013, the company established a scholarship program to support students in pursuit of their career aspirations.

The Malen Junior Secondary School is the only Junior School in the chiefdom, and in 2013 only attained one pass for a scholarship. The company provides stipends for 9 teachers and 2 security guards, as well paying for the feeding and transportation of students during examination.

The company has funded the rehabilitation of the school and teachers’ accommodation quarters.

Socfin sponsors local sports competitions, inter-school kid clubs, cultural shows, remedial classes for BECE pupils, summer school debates, and world teacher day events.

Local roads network in the chiefdom is second to none, as the company continues to maintain trunk roads within and around the plantations. An example is the Pujehun and Koribundu road. The company is spending over $120,000 on the maintenance of these roads.

“The road network is well established within and outside the concession improving the communication and access between villages, improving access to the towns and health centres,” sources close to the chiefdom authority explain.

“Safety on the roads is prioritized in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority by the placement of road signs, the creation of speed bumps and the development of dust control measures.

The 42 Km of roads rehabilitated by the company between Sahn-Malen and Koribundu, including culverts and 20Km to the south between Malen and Pujehun – including four culverts, continue to attract more businesses into the chiefdom.

Also, telecommunication in the chiefdom has improved immensely and is covering the whole of the chiefdom. The company has engaged Africell to install two antennas (35 meters high).

The chiefdom speaker in Malen Chiefdom – Chief Robert Moiguah, was pleased to talk about the intervention of Socfin in promoying the sustainable development of the chiefdom.

According to the chiefdom speaker, one of the most important initiatives supported by Socfin is the implementation of community programs to ensure food security, through mechanized farming.

Sierra Leone Telegraph: 30 December 2018:

https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/the-untold-story-of-socfin-agricultural-company-in-sierra-leone/

In the leased area, there are a total of 11,000 adults whose taxes are fully paid by Socfin, while the company also pays directly to the Government of Sierra Leone or Government agencies for the 18,000 hectares of the leased land since the agricultural company only holds a sublease. Therefore, Socfin has NO influence on payment of the aforesaid money and Joseph Rahall, who is determined to tarnish the reputation of the company at all cost, is privy to this. It must also be emphasized here that contrary to claims by Joseph Rahall that “the company through its surveyors and the Paramount Chief cheated them during surveys,” Socfin did not take ANY piece of land without the owner agreeing or accepting the compensation money. Besides, various plots of land are untapped and Rahall knows this very well too!  Surveys were also done with the owner/user of the land, the Village Chief and Government Representative fully in attendance. Mr. Rahall also knows very well that ALL records pertaining to these transactions are available to the public and can be obtained from both at the chiefdom authorities and Socfin upon simple request.But despite these records are available, Joseph Rahall would prefer to distort the fact in order to set the Malen indigenes against the company for what only God knows.

The 49,000 Joseph Rahall stated in his article as being the total population of Sahn Malen Chiefdom is a figment of his imagination. Even Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) that conducted the last Population and Housing Census (PHC) in December, 2015 would disagree with that figure. It would sound strange, for instance, that the male population in the chiefdom is more than the female population when, in fact, the total population of Sierra Leone shows that the female population is more than the male population. What about the population of the elders and children which Mr. Rahall failed to mention?

Joseph Rahall is also challenged to produce the names of Socfin employees earning below the minimum wage of Le500,000.00 (Five hundred thousand Leones). His pathological lies coupled with the so-called Shiaka Sama’s nonsensical remarks without checking has done serious disservice to the people of Malen in particular and Sierra Leoneans in general. Let it be known to detractors like Joseph Rahall that Socfin is answerable to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security or the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) in terms of employment and not to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that have bad intentions for the company.For Joseph Rahall to liken the task in the palm oil plantation to “slave labour” is complete hallucination and madness, let alone the painting of an ugly picture of women have witnessed their children drop out of school over the years because they cannot afford school charges, and how their husbands are dying. These are all totally untrue but since Joseph Rahall and his like minds are bent on undermining the operations of Socfin, they would do anything to bring the company down. Mr. Rahall must be stopped from spreading pathological lies about Socfin because such negative attitude would scare away foreign investors.

Also, Joseph Rahall made mention of the ING Bank in Brussels as though he has some inside information from the bank, but his intention is to deceive the general public about Socfin. What arrant nonsense is he writing about the loan or does he want to block the financing of loans to investors in Sierra Leone? But the truth would come out when the Government of Sierra Leone would caution Mr. Rahall to substantiate the damning allegations he always making against Socfin.

Moreover, all lease agreements are lodged at the at the Registrar General’s Office and complaint Joseph Rahall that he could not get them from Socfin clearly exposed his ignorance on lease agreements in the country? With regards to how much the company pays to Government or Government bodies for the 18,000 hectares of leased land, he needs to employ a primary school-goer to simply calculate 18.000 x $12.5.

On the issue of human rights violations, they are only violated by individuals or institutions that deprive people of making ends meet. How Socfin can violate people’s human rights when the company’s conditions of service for workers are in line with international best practice? No one is force to work on the plantation but workers are gainfully employed by the company. Perhaps Joseph Rahall in his imagination wants to recreate communism in Malen without the foggiest idea that introducing communism in Sierra Leone will and cannot work. Neither will he or his partners ever put a bowl of rice on the table of the poor indigenes except their own. 

Stay with Sierra Express Media, for your trusted place in news!

http://sierraexpressmedia.com/?p=86184

Socfin has 12,500 hectares out of the 27, 000 hectares of Sahn Malen Chiefdom in Pujehun District. The company has only planted about 40% of the entire hectares that comprised Malen.

In the leased area, there are a total of 11000 adults whose taxes are fully paid by Socfin, while the company also pays directly to the Government of Sierra Leone or Government agencies for the 18,000 hectares of the leased land, since the agricultural company only holds a sub-lease.

Socfin has no influence on payment of the aforesaid money and some of those bent on tarnishing the reputation of the company at all cost, are privy to this.

It must also be emphasized here that contrary to claims that “the company through its surveyors and the Paramount Chief cheated them during surveys,” Socfin did not take any piece of land without the owner agreeing or accepting the compensation money.

Besides, various plots of land are not utilised. Surveys were also done with the owner/user of the land, the Village Chief and Government Representative fully in attendance.

ALL records pertaining to these transactions are available to the public and can be obtained from both at the chiefdom authorities and Socfin, upon simple request.

But despite the availability of these records, some people would prefer to distort the facts in order to set the Malen indigenes against the company.

The 49,000 alleged to be the total population of Sahn Malen Chiefdom is a figment of the imagination of those promoting discord. Even Statistics Sierra Leone (Stats SL) that conducted the last Population and Housing Census (PHC) in December 2015 would disagree with that figure.

Anti-Socfin protesters must also be challenged to produce the names of Socfin employees earning below the minimum wage of Le500, 000.00 (Five hundred thousand Leones).

These pathological lies coupled with the so-called Shiaka Sama’s nonsensical remarks without checking has done serious disservice to the people of Malen in particular, and Sierra Leone in general.

Socfin is answerable to the Ministry of Labour and Social Security or the Sierra Leone Labour Congress (SLLC) in terms of employment, and not to Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) or Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that have bad intentions for the company.

Those likening working in the palm oil plantation to “slave labour”, must stop spreading pathological lies about Socfin because such negativity would scare away foreign investors.

On the issue of human rights violations, they are only violated by individuals or institutions that deprive people of making ends meet.

How can Socfin violate people’s human rights when the company’s conditions of service for workers are in line with international best practice?

No one is forced to work on the plantation. All those working for the company are gainfully employed by the company.

The vice president of Sierra Leone and ministers are engaging with the community, the company and stakeholders, to find a lasting solution to the dispute and this process must be given a chance – not undermined.

https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/socfin-dispute-setting-the-records-straight/

After a series of consultative meetings with stakeholders of the chiefdom by president Bio and his vice president – Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh aimed at collecting first hand evidence about the Malen dispute, president Bio has delegated responsibility to the vice president and a few government ministers to resolve the dispute.

Hence, last Friday 9th November 2018, the vice president and delegation left Freetown for Sahn Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District.

In Sahn Malen, the vice president and delegation held fruitful close door discussions with Paramount Chiefs of the district and the Malen Affected Land Owner Association (MALOA).

At a general meeting with the people of Malen, which was held at the Court Barray, the vice president thanked the people of Malen for voting for president Julius Maada Bio as President of the country.

Stating the purpose of their visit to the chiefdom, the vice president said they are in the chiefdom to find a final solution to the outstanding crisis which has taken about seven years. He said the president is concern about dissension in the chiefdom and he is not happy.

To solve this, he said, the president has set up a committee headed by himself to find a lasting solution to the crisis, adding that the responsibility of any government is to look after the interest of the people.

As a government, he said, their responsibility is to unite the people of Malen and SOCFIN Agricultural Company by looking into issues of agricultural land, the concerns of SOCFIN workers, transportation, compensation and water crisis.

He appealed to the people of Malen including the Independent Member of Parliament, the company, Paramount Chiefs and all stakeholders to adhere to a peaceful resolution. He said that the process will not end immediately as they as a government will ensure that the concerns of all parties are met.

Vice president Jalloh encouraged the people not to take the law into their hands, calling on anyone aggrieved to direct their concerns to the committee.

He advised them to allow the company to operate in a peaceful atmosphere as the president has attracted more investors to the country. He said if they continue to fight the company, investors will be frightened to come to the country to invest.

The Minister of Internal Affairs also encouraged the people of Malen to keep the peace as government is working towards reaching an amicable solution to the dispute. He called on them to desist from acts that will result in conflict and to find a peaceful solution to the dispute.

The Minister of Local Government – Anthony Brewah encouraged the community to embrace investors in order for the president to achieve his promises made to the people of Sierra Leone.

The Deputy Minister of Agriculture in his statement, called on the people of Malen Chiefdom to help protect the properties of investors; and for investors to pay keen attention to the interest of the people.

Independent Member of Parliament, Hon. Shaka Sama, in his remarks thanked the VP and delegation for proffering a peaceful resolution to the long impasse that has been eating into the peaceful atmosphere of the chiefdom. He called on his people to be peaceful and respect law and order.

The Paramount Chief, Chairman of Pujehun District and Coordinator of MALOA also made useful statements.

The company has commenced full operations in a peaceful atmosphere after the visit of the vice president and his delegation.

Vice president Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh and delegation also visited several communities including Kortumahun and Banaleh to engage the people to be peaceful and have confidence in the mediation process.

https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/socfin-dispute-government-looks-for-a-resolution/

Socfin Agricultural Company has, since its inception in Pujehun, suffered continuous thieving and vandalization of the company’s assets.

Recently, the Police in Sahn Malen received report that a group of villagers had stolen huge quantities of palm fruits from Socfin Agricultural Company. When the Police attempted to arrest the suspects, the villagers attacked and repelled the Police and stopped them from arresting the suspects.

Socfin has invested hundreds of Millions of United States dollars in Sierra Leone, especially in a remote area like Malen Chiefdom in Pujehun district; and has provided jobs for hundreds of young Sierra Leoneans.

When President Julius Maada Bio was sworn-in on 4th April, 2018 he committed himself and his government to attracting direct foreign investment into Sierra Leone. As a matter of fact, the President has travelled to several parts of the world and has assured foreign investors that Sierra Leone is open for business.

The question many people have been asking is: What is the Government of Sierra Leone doing to protect foreign investors and their investments? The incident in Pujehun over the weekend leaves much to be desired.

If the Government does not make sure that foreign investments are protected, many foreign investors will curtail their activities and eventually pack out of the country.

This will be bad for the country and it will undermine the President’s determination to convince foreign investors to invest their money in Sierra Leone.

President Bio is expected to address investors in Brussels next week. To all intents and purposes, President Bio is a man who is determined to take this country to a new direction. He has to take the bull by the horns and ensure that the ceaseless threats to life and property in the Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun district comes to an end now.

How can the President convince investors to come to the country and invest their money when some people are attacking investors and destroying their properties in the Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun district?

The call now is for President Bio to quickly and adequately address the security situation in the Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun district before he leaves for Brussels next week, says Sorie Fofanah of Global Times.

The Minister of Information and Communication in an interview with local media said his government is concerned about the ugly development in Sahn-Malen Chiefdom, and they will try as a government in bringing sanity to the chiefdom.

According to Abdul Rahman Rado Swarray the New Direction government wanted to preside over a stable, peaceful and tranquil country, were the government can attract investments and also create jobs for Sierra Leoneans.

“We will spare all efforts for peace and tranquility to return to Sahn-Malen Chiefdom Pujehun District,” the Minister is quoted saying.

According to information, irate youths mobilized and mounted illegal road blocks both at the entry and exit points of the road and became practically violent, using insulting language against the company security contractor and the police.

The police according to information retreated because the standoff lasted for a very long time, as irate youths continued to pelt police officers with missiles.

The Police were called upon for restraint by locals including the town headman who paradoxically is believed to be a part of the conundrum.

The Irate youth threatened to kill any person who stops them from harvesting the palm trees on what they say is their land.

All agricultural activities of the company came to a halt for two days due to lawlessness from the youths who have placed blockades and also threatening workers with machetes.

A source close to the company said that one of the Managing Shareholders has already arrived in town assess the situation, which is now said to be critical.

Many are calling on the government to swiftly intervene before the situation breakdown further.

Over 4000 people both direct and indirect will lose their jobs should the company stop operations.

Socfin CEO will be meeting President Bio in Belgium next week to discuss investment in Sierra Leone and the implications of the ongoing disturbance in Pujehun.

Sierra Leone Telegraph – 30 October 2018 - https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/president-bio-must-find-a-solution-to-the-socfin-agricultural-company-problem/