Key stakeholders in Karene and Bombali Districts have received training on Sierra Leone’s two major land reform laws — the Customary Land Rights Act 2022 and the National Land Act 2022. The sessions also covered other legal frameworks governing land use and ownership.

The week-long training, held from 14–21 September 2025, brought together Local Court Officials, District Multi-Stakeholder Platforms (DMSPs), traditional authorities, and other leaders at district, chiefdom, and community levels. The initiative aimed to strengthen understanding of land governance, monitor the progress of the new laws, and promote compliance and accountability.

The 2022 land laws are seen as transformative, with the potential to improve transparency, fairness, and protection for women and marginalized groups who have historically faced barriers to land ownership.

In Karene District, officials highlighted long-standing challenges, including farmer–herder conflicts, disputes over inheritance and ownership, illegal mining, logging, and encroachment on protected forests such as Outamba-Kilimi National Park. During field visits, participants raised safety concerns over underground mining in Katheri community, criticizing the inaction of state agencies tasked with oversight.

In Bombali District, Land Commissioner Amadu Kamara welcomed the training, saying it had helped address persistent conflicts and discrimination, especially against women. Local Court officials also praised the program, with Pamlap Local Court Chairman Sulaiman Fofana noting it would strengthen gender-sensitive rulings.

Zainab Kamara, Deputy Chairlady of the Affected Land Owners and Users Association (AFLUA) in Makarie Chiefdom, said the training had empowered communities to set up transparent Village and Town Area Land Committees.

Organizers also engaged partner groups, including the Network Movement for Justice and Development (NMJD) and NAMATI, to explore joint efforts in promoting land governance. Similar programs are planned for Pujehun, Kambia, and Port Loko Districts in the coming weeks.