Office of the Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh | 1 Sep 2025
The Chief's Diary: Resolving the Conflict Between Malen and Socfin-SL was a Bio Campaign Promise, and We Delivered
On Friday, August 29th, 2025, stakeholders of Malen Chiefdom signed a landmark agreement with Socfin Agricultural Company Sierra Leone (SAC-SL), one of the biggest agricultural investments in the country. SAC employs nearly five thousand Sierra Leoneans and directly impacts the economy as one of the largest exporters of palm oil in the subregion.
However, existing disputes related to land lease, environmental concerns and support to the community have remained challenging. The conflict started in the era of former president Ernest Koroma and remain unresolved.
President Bio promised the people of Malen that he would find a peaceful solution and one that is win-win-win for the government, the people, and the company. Several state actors, including the Vice President, Human Rights Commission, Office of National Security, Members of Parliament, and other institutions, have been engaged with this matter. All their roles and contributions led to this outcome.
And after years of protests, police warrants of arrests, negotiations, and dialogue in Sahn Malen, Bo, and State House, we finally agreed to a clear set of actions between the Malen Development Committee (MDC) and Socfin Agricultural Company (SAC) which was signed through this MOU.
The very inclusive and diverse MDC (it has persons living with disabilities, youth, chiefs, elected officials, diaspora, women, religious leaders, etc) established through discussions with Malen stakeholders shall coordinate between SAC and the local communities to ensure a more just and equitable community in Malen Chiefdom.
Through this MOU, SAC will fund and support projects within an agreed Community Development Action Plan developed. Grievance redress mechanisms are clear. The responsibilities of all parties are well understood. The action plan for development is meticulously developed by all stakeholders centered on the welfare and development of the people. To promote accountability and transparency, the signatories to the development account are the Paramount Chief, the local MP, and a female stakeholder.
This has not been an easy journey, and I want to thank all local and national leaders who have supported these homegrown and home-led grievance redress and peace processes. SAC-SL reported that production has gone up over the last few months, thanks to our continuous engagement.
The biggest thanks goes to President Bio for asking me to take leadership in addressing this issue and fulfilling his campaign promised. And to the people of Malen, thank you for entrusting us to complete this process out of court while ensuring that everyone wins: the people, the private company, and the government.