Responding to the escalating land dispute in the Pentagon community, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Lands, Housing, and Country Planning, Hon. Quintin Salia Konneh, accompanied by Hon. Mahmoud Kamara, undertook a high-level fact-finding visit to engage with affected residents and evaluate the ongoing crisis. Their visit was prompted by mounting concerns from community members regarding land ownership conflicts and recent legal decisions causing widespread distress.
In his statement during the visit, Hon. Quintin Salia Konneh reiterated Parliament’s duty to resolve land disputes and ensure fair intervention.
“By law, this committee has the authority and mandate to intervene in land matters across Sierra Leone. About two weeks ago, I received a formal complaint from stakeholders in the Pentagon, including local chiefs, councillors, community elders, women, and children. The considerable delegation that visited Parliament underscores the gravity of this issue,” he explained.
He clarified that his visit aimed not only to hear grievances but also to evaluate the community’s development and infrastructure personally.
“Pentagon is a well-established community with vital infrastructure such as schools, mosques, churches, health centres, and a developed road network. The absence of vacant land indicates that this is not an informal settlement but a structured and thriving community. Any decisions concerning land ownership here must be approached with caution and fairness,” he emphasized.
Hon. Salia mentioned that the dispute had already been adjudicated in court, favouring Derick Sama Thoronka, who claimed ownership of the land. However, he raised concerns about the judicial process, noting a lack of adequate community representation.
“From my investigations, the individual claiming ownership does not reside in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, the court ruling was made without affording the community a fair chance to present their case. Despite respecting judicial decisions, Parliament has a responsibility to intervene when the public interest is at risk. That is why we are here—to ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done,” he stated.
He assured residents of the issue being escalated, mentioning plans to engage with the Chief Justice in the upcoming week to address the community’s grievances.
“We aim to prevent land disputes from causing instability in the country. Individuals should be able to live and work peacefully without the fear of displacement. Land conflicts have led to violence and even fatalities, as witnessed in the recent Tokeh incident where a dispute resulted in loss of life. Our goal is to avert such incidents in the Pentagon,” he emphasized.
Hon. Mahmoud Kamara, also known as Nice Guy, reiterated his steadfast commitment to advocating for the people of the Pentagon, acknowledging the significant distress caused by the dispute.
“I have closely monitored the land issues in the Pentagon for years and understand the hardships faced by residents. The recent court ruling granting ownership of the entire community to one individual has only intensified tensions. This is why we have brought this matter to the Parliamentary Committee on Lands for urgent attention,” he affirmed.
In response to inquiries about recent demolitions and hefty fines imposed on homeowners, Hon. Kamara expressed strong reservations.
“Pentagon is not just a settlement; it is a structured and developed community with schools, a health centre, and a well-established road network. Considering this level of development and the number of affected residents, expecting people to abandon their homes is impractical. This situation necessitates careful handling to avoid unnecessary suffering,” he stressed.
During the visit, Mr. Sesay, Principal of Lirem Secondary School, detailed the challenges faced, disclosing that Derick Sama Thoronka and associates had vandalized the government school, disrupting educational activities.
“We have served this community for years, providing education to hundreds of children. Unfortunately, this dispute has directly impacted us, with school property being damaged by individuals asserting ownership of the land. We urge Parliament to ensure that justice prevails,” he lamented.
Similarly, Hawa Kallon, a widow and long-time resident of the Pentagon, shared her heartbreaking experience, recounting the demolition of her home and the destruction of her belongings by the same individuals.
“For decades, I have resided in this community. My late husband and I built our home here, and now that he is gone, I am left with nothing. They destroyed everything I owned. I have nowhere else to turn. Is this fair?” she tearfully narrated.
Both Hon. Salia and Hon. Kamara assured residents of Parliament’s full commitment to achieving a just and enduring resolution. Hon. Salia highlighted the bipartisan approach to addressing the issue, acknowledging that despite political differences, he (representing SLPP) and Hon. Kamara (representing APC) were collaborating in the pursuit of justice.
“The government and Parliament exist for the people. When it pertains to public welfare, we must transcend political divides. This matter impacts lives, and we are dedicated to engaging with the judiciary and other relevant authorities to find a resolution,” he guaranteed.
Hon. Salia also emphasized the substantial investments made by residents, highlighting that many had resided in the Pentagon for over 20 to 30 years, investing significant amounts in their homes.
“These are not makeshift structures—they are solid, sophisticated dwellings. Families have thrived here, children have been born and raised here, and lives have been established. Any decision made must acknowledge this reality,” he emphasized.
In his closing statements, Hon. Salia urged the Pentagon community to maintain peace and patience while Parliament worked towards a resolution.
“I commend the residents for handling this crisis peacefully. You have followed the correct channels, and we will ensure your voices are heard. Continue to exercise restraint—violence is never the answer. We are responsible leaders and will engage with the appropriate authorities to secure a lasting resolution,” he reassured.
He committed to revisiting the Pentagon within a week to provide updates on discussions with the Chief Justice and other relevant entities.
With the intervention of the Parliamentary Committee on Lands, the residents of the Pentagon retain hope that a fair resolution will be achieved, safeguarding their homes, investments, and livelihoods while upholding justice and the rule of law.
By: Tejan Macavoray
