A meeting was held in Soro Gbeima Chiefdom, Pujehun District, as local stakeholders gathered to address an ongoing land dispute between the Zoker Family of Fairo Town and the Kemokai Family of Maleima. The discussions, facilitated by the District Multi-Stakeholders Platform (DMSP), focused on easing tensions and finding a peaceful resolution.

The conflict originated when AbdulRaman Zoker raised concerns with the Paramount Chief of Soro Gbeima, claiming that the Kemokai Family had encroached on Zoker land. Reports indicated that the Kemokai Family had sold parts of the land to a local resident, leading to rising tensions.

Paramount Chief Mustapha Jengay Massaquoi expressed his disappointment over the disputes, emphasizing the impact of such conflicts on community development. He assured that his administration had taken proactive steps to mediate, forming a committee to investigate the matter and engage both parties involved.

The District Security Coordinator noted that his office had received multiple reports about the conflict, including additional concerns about a nearby mining operation. He urged patience within the community, stressing that the mining project could bring economic benefits if resolved.

The DMSP’s Secretary General highlighted the platform’s commitment to transparency in handling the dispute and underlined the importance of clearly defining boundaries to prevent future conflicts. Community members voiced their concerns, urging swift government action on boundary identification.

Following the discussions, Paramount Chief Massaquoi announced that a final decision on the land dispute would be issued on November 15, 2024, in Jendema Town. A boundary marker was placed to signify that no construction would proceed until this date, ensuring a pause in activity while awaiting the final resolution.