By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S.
The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL), in collaboration with the Kono District Human Rights Committee (KDHRC), has embarked on a fact-finding mission to probe a burgeoning labor dispute between Koidu Limited Mining Company and its employees.
The investigation aims to gather firsthand accounts from key stakeholders regarding the ongoing standoff. The HRCSL, which is mandated to protect and promote human rights, seeks to identify potential violations and facilitate a resolution to the conflict.
Led by HRCSL Chairperson Patricia Narsu Ndanema, the delegation conducted meetings with various parties involved, including Sahr Mboma, Senior Section Chief of Tankoro Chiefdom; members of the Kono District Human Rights Committee; executives of the aggrieved Workers Union; the Sierra Leone Police; Chairman of the Council of Paramount Chiefs in Kono, Edward Sahr Mbawa; and senior management representatives from Koidu Limited.
During the discussions, Sulaiman Mansaray, Secretary General of the Workers Union, presented a series of grievances, including allegations of: lack of risk allowances for mine workers; discriminatory practices regarding access to clean water and sanitation; unlawful dismissals without due process; non-payment of overtime; and fraudulent salary structures. Mansaray indicated that these issues prompted workers to initiate a work stoppage until their demands were met.
In response, Koidu Limited’s General Manager, Rocco Vermuelen, refuted several of the workers’ claims, attributing the strained relationship to the recent election of a new union executive and their subsequent withdrawal from the United Mine Workers Union (UMU). Vermuelen also highlighted that interventions from the First Lady and ongoing discussions between the company’s board and the Minister of Labour, Mohamed Rahman Swaray, are in progress to seek a resolution. He noted that the company has already taken steps to address some concerns, such as procuring mobile toilets to enhance sanitation facilities.
The HRCSL investigation team comprises key figures including Abdulai Yollah Bangura, Director of Business and Human Rights and Labour Relations; Peter Abraham Koroma, Director of Human Resources; Ibrahim Tarawallie, Senior Human Rights Officer; and Elvis Mambu, Human Rights Officer from the East Regional Office Branch. The HRCSL is expected to produce a comprehensive report detailing its findings and recommendations following the investigation.
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