Under the agreement, community development (education, healthcare, livelihoods and infrastructure) will be linked to the company's profits.Modern News Series | September 1, 202
Government, Socfin & Community Sign Landmark MoU
By Ibrahim Tarawallie
Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District witnessed a historic milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malen Development Committee (MDC), Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC), and key government stakeholders. The agreement, reached during a joint technical meeting, is aimed at strengthening collaboration, promoting transparency, and ensuring that the people of Malen benefit from the country’s palm oil sector.
The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, described the MoU as “a new phase in the relationship between government, company, and community—one that is rooted in radical inclusion, transparency, and accountability.”
He emphasized that the MDC stands as one of the most inclusive committees in government, noting: “True radical inclusion is not just something we preach; it is reflected in what we do, in who manages our resources, and in who sits on committees to represent the people.”
The General Manager of Socfin, Olivier Martin, underscored the company’s commitment to building a sustainable partnership with the community, while also acknowledging key challenges. He revealed that SAC employs nearly 5,000 workers from Malen and surrounding areas but warned that theft and productivity setbacks threaten both operations and community benefits. “Our ability to fully deliver our social development commitments relies on our ability to function as a profitable enterprise. With your support, we can overcome these challenges and maximize contributions to the Chiefdom,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Malen, Hon. Siaka Musa Sama stressed the importance of respect, communication, and accountability in the implementation of the agreement. “It is good to sign the MoU, but we must abide by it. Let us ensure that compensation, employment opportunities, medical benefits, and community projects remain central,” he noted.
Regent Chief of Malen Chiefdom, described the signing as a turning point in the history of the chiefdom. “This event marks not just a formal agreement, but a new chapter in the history of Malen Chiefdom—a chapter written with mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to peace, development, and prosperity for our people,” he declared. He further pledged: “As Regent Chief, I pledge to continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that the terms of this agreement are faithfully upheld and that the voices of our people remain at the center of all initiatives.”
The agreement directly supports President Julius Maada Bio’s agenda for peace, inclusive governance, and sustainable development, particularly his vision of radical inclusion and human capital development. By linking company profits to community development through the Community Development Action Plan (CDAP), the MoU ensures that investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihoods will directly benefit the people of Malen.
The signing signals a new era of dialogue over conflict, partnership over division, and delivery over promises, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s broader goal of harnessing natural resources responsibly to transform lives.
Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District witnessed a historic milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Malen Development Committee (MDC), Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC), and key government stakeholders. The agreement, reached during a joint technical meeting, is aimed at strengthening collaboration, promoting transparency, and ensuring that the people of Malen benefit from the country’s palm oil sector.
The Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, described the MoU as “a new phase in the relationship between government, company, and community—one that is rooted in radical inclusion, transparency, and accountability.”
He emphasized that the MDC stands as one of the most inclusive committees in government, noting: “True radical inclusion is not just something we preach; it is reflected in what we do, in who manages our resources, and in who sits on committees to represent the people.”
The General Manager of Socfin, Olivier Martin, underscored the company’s commitment to building a sustainable partnership with the community, while also acknowledging key challenges. He revealed that SAC employs nearly 5,000 workers from Malen and surrounding areas but warned that theft and productivity setbacks threaten both operations and community benefits. “Our ability to fully deliver our social development commitments relies on our ability to function as a profitable enterprise. With your support, we can overcome these challenges and maximize contributions to the Chiefdom,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the people of Malen, Hon. Siaka Musa Sama stressed the importance of respect, communication, and accountability in the implementation of the agreement. “It is good to sign the MoU, but we must abide by it. Let us ensure that compensation, employment opportunities, medical benefits, and community projects remain central,” he noted.
Regent Chief of Malen Chiefdom, described the signing as a turning point in the history of the chiefdom. “This event marks not just a formal agreement, but a new chapter in the history of Malen Chiefdom—a chapter written with mutual respect, understanding, and a shared commitment to peace, development, and prosperity for our people,” he declared. He further pledged: “As Regent Chief, I pledge to continue working with all stakeholders to ensure that the terms of this agreement are faithfully upheld and that the voices of our people remain at the center of all initiatives.”
The agreement directly supports President Julius Maada Bio’s agenda for peace, inclusive governance, and sustainable development, particularly his vision of radical inclusion and human capital development. By linking company profits to community development through the Community Development Action Plan (CDAP), the MoU ensures that investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and livelihoods will directly benefit the people of Malen.
The signing signals a new era of dialogue over conflict, partnership over division, and delivery over promises, reinforcing Sierra Leone’s broader goal of harnessing natural resources responsibly to transform lives.
