By Saidu Jalloh, Reporter D.S
The legal team representing Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, has initiated crucial steps to prevent Octea Limited, a Guernsey-registered company, from potentially ceasing operations without addressing pressing concerns.
This action follows serious allegations of human rights violations at Koidu Limited, a subsidiary of Octea that operates a diamond mine in Sierra Leone.
In a formal notice submitted to the Registrar of Companies in Guernsey, the legal team signaled their intent to file lawsuits against Octea Limited. The suits will reportedly address claims of inhumane treatment of workers, including unsafe working conditions, lack of access to clean drinking water, and inadequate sanitation facilities. The notice details severe injuries suffered by workers, including amputations, and notes instances of fatalities linked to the company’s practices.
Legal representatives Tejan-Cole Yillah and Partners stressed the urgency of their request, indicating they are also preparing to initiate legal action in the United Kingdom. They expressed concern that Octea Limited might attempt to file for bankruptcy or request to be removed from the Guernsey company register, actions that could impede justice for the affected workers.
While Guernsey is not a member of the United Nations and does not directly sign international human rights treaties, it is bound by the United Kingdom’s ratifications and has been a party to the European Convention on Human Rights since 1953. This context underscores the importance of human rights protections in legal proceedings against companies operating within its jurisdiction.
The legal team argues that the allegations of gross human rights violations present a compelling case for maintaining Octea Limited’s registration in Guernsey. They assert that the anticipated lawsuits will not only seek compensation for the affected workers but also aim to hold the company accountable for its actions in Sierra Leone.
In their communication, the legal team has requested that the Registrar of Companies take notice of these developments and refrain from processing any applications that could lead to the dissolution of Octea Limited. They believe the serious nature of the allegations warrants a thorough examination before any decisions are made regarding the company’s status.
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