Historic Peace Accord Ends 60-Year Boundary Dispute in Kenema District

October 19, 2024

In a landmark event, the decades-long boundary conflict between the Kpetema and Benduma communities in Malegohun Chiefdom, Kenema District, has come to a peaceful resolution.

On October 18, 2024, leaders from both communities gathered in Peyama Town to sign the historic Peyama Peace Accord (PPA), putting an end to a 60-year dispute. This agreement, initiated by Augustine Foday Ngobie, Deputy Commissioner of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission, followed extensive trust-building efforts that began in September 2024. The boundary conflict, which had caused violence and destruction, persisted despite the strong ancestral ties between the two communities.

Ngobie, widely praised for his leadership, played a crucial role in negotiating the peace, leveraging his experience as a former senior police officer. His efforts were supported by local authorities, the Office of National Security, and the Sierra Leone Police.

At the signing ceremony, Ngobie stressed the value of peace. “The cost of not choosing peace is far greater than the price of reconciliation,” he said to the large crowd.

The Peyama Peace Accord established six guiding principles: mutual respect, non-violence, reconciliation, dialogue, respect for cultural differences, and shared prosperity. It also included a conflict resolution plan and measures for community engagement. A Peace Committee was formed to oversee the implementation of the accord and monitor its progress.

Community leaders and local authorities committed to sustaining peace and resolving any remaining issues through continued dialogue, marking a hopeful future for both communities.