In a short video released a few days ago, Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, exposed shocking allegations against the Chief Executive Officer of Koidu Holdings Limited. The video includes an audio recording in which the CEO allegedly commands the Chief Minister to dismiss Mohamed Rahman Swaray, the Minister of Labour and Social Security.
More troublingly, the audio captures the CEO referring to President Bio’s cabinet ministers as “useless,” raising serious concerns about the level of foreign influence and disrespect directed toward the country’s leadership.
The controversy comes in the wake of Koidu Holdings’ recent decision to lay off nearly 1,000 workers without paying their end-of-service benefits and other legal entitlements. This move has sparked outrage across the country and drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups and human rights advocates.
Koidu Holdings has also been accused of repeatedly violating Sierra Leone’s laws. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reportedly raised concerns over the company’s underground mining operations, which residents claim have caused tremors and panic in the town of Koidu. Many believe the mining activities are not only unsafe but also conducted without proper oversight or regard for environmental and public safety regulations.
Furthermore, the mass layoff is seen as a blatant breach of Sierra Leone’s labour laws and international human rights standards. Dismissing workers without compensation undermines workers’ rights and contributes to growing economic instability in Kono District.
Despite operating in the region for over 15 years, Koidu Holdings has done little to improve the lives of the local population. Many residents argue that they have not seen any tangible benefits from the company’s diamond mining operations, and Kono remains one of the most underdeveloped districts in the country.
Calls are now mounting for government intervention and a thorough investigation into the company’s activities.
