By Samuel Ben Turay
Residents of Pepel Township in Kamasondo Chiefdom, Constituency 074, Port Loko District, have commended Dr. Ibrahim Bangura for what they described as eight years of sustained peace and stability in the community following his intervention in a longstanding dispute in 2018.
Community members gathered recently in Pepel to celebrate the lasting impact of the peace initiative spearheaded by Dr. Bangura, expressing gratitude for the harmony and unity that have prevailed since his mediation efforts.
According to residents, Pepel was once plagued by tensions and frequent conflicts arising from disagreements between local authorities and the then management of African Minerals over employment opportunities for local labourers. The situation reportedly threatened peace and development in the mining community.
During the 2018 election campaign period, while conducting a door-to-door mobilization campaign for the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Bangura became aware of the growing unrest and decided to intervene.
He subsequently led a delegation of young people to Pepel and organized a stakeholders’ meeting that brought together chiefdom authorities, company representatives, youth leaders and community members from several villages, including Lungi Lol, Burup, Kanthaya, Shekuya, Robis Fack, Konthan Wala, Makin, Karma, Bombeh, Makontjo, Sengbeh, Madina, Poloth, Mayila and Masorie. Addressing participants at the time, Dr. Bangura emphasized the importance of peace as a prerequisite for development.
“I embarked on this mission not because I want you all to continue voting for the APC Party, but rather to restore peace, harmony and unity among the people of Pepel,” he reportedly told the gathering.
His intervention led to dialogue between the opposing sides and the establishment of communication channels aimed at fostering mutual understanding and resolving disputes peacefully.
As part of an assessment of the peace process, several community leaders and representatives of Leone Rock Metal Group recently reflected on the impact of the initiative.
Those interviewed included Pepel Headman, Mr. Abass Kanu; former APC Councillor, Mr. Saidu Abass Bangura; women’s leader, Madam Hawa Conteh; Leone Rock Metal Group representative, Mr. Mohamed Conteh; and Ward 246 Councillor, Mr. Unisa Sankoh.
Speaking on behalf of the Regent Chief of Kamasondo Chiefdom, Mr. Abass Kanu praised Dr. Bangura’s efforts, noting that the community has remained peaceful since the intervention.
“Since 2018 to date, the community has not experienced any protest. We are enjoying the peace restored through Dr. Ibrahim Bangura’s engagement,” he said.
Mr. Mohamed Conteh, a senior representative of Leone Rock Metal Group, also confirmed that since the company took over operations from African Minerals, it has not experienced any major incidents of violence or unrest in the community.
Residents said the prevailing peace has contributed significantly to social cohesion and development in Pepel, describing Dr. Bangura’s intervention as a turning point in the history of the mining town.
