By John Kelly Marah
Tension erupted in the Kissy Dockyard community in the eastern part of Freetown on Thursday, May 15, after a demolition exercise reportedly involving the Sierra Leone Police escalated into violent confrontations between residents and security personnel, leaving families distressed and uncertain about their future.
The operation, which residents said targeted disputed structures believed to be linked to the former Forest Industry quarters, reportedly descended into chaos when law enforcement officers allegedly deployed tear gas to disperse crowds gathered at the scene. Agitated youths and residents were also reported to have thrown stones and bottles, further intensifying tensions in the densely populated community.
For many residents, the incident was more than a land dispute — it represented fear, uncertainty and the possibility of losing homes they say have sheltered generations of families.
Among those speaking out was Joseph Kallon, a medical practitioner and longtime resident, who criticized the manner in which the exercise was carried out, describing it as painful for people who have spent decades building their lives in the area.
“I have lived here since 1988, and what is happening in this community has not gone down well with us,” Kallon said. “People have lived here for years, raised families and struggled to survive. Today, many are afraid of being displaced without knowing where they will go.”
According to Kallon, many occupants believe they have legitimate ties to the land through the now-defunct Forest Industry quarters and should have been consulted before any demolition process commenced.
“People built homes and raised children here. If there were concerns about ownership, there should have been dialogue and proper consultation before taking such actions,” he added.
He further alleged that residents received little notice before the operation and instead experienced intimidation and fear. “We were not properly informed. Many people were frightened, and some feared arrest,” he claimed.
Residents Narrate Fear, Hardship and Uncertainty
For affected resident Aminata Mansaray, the demolition exercise has deepened the daily hardship already confronting struggling families in the community. Fighting back emotions, she said many residents survive through small-scale farming, petty trading and daily labor to support their households.
“We struggle every day to survive. We farm, harvest and sell just to feed our families, but life is already difficult,” Aminata lamented. “Now, we are living in fear and do not know what tomorrow holds.”
With an emotional appeal to authorities, she called on the Government of Sierra Leone to intervene before more families suffer.
“We are pleading for help. We do not know where to turn. Government should please listen to us,” she appealed.
Another resident, Fatou Bangura, described an atmosphere of fear and emotional distress spreading across the community as uncertainty over displacement continues to mount.
“I have lived here for a long time, and we are deeply worried about what will happen to us,” she said. “We only want understanding and a peaceful solution.”
Fatou appealed for authorities to engage residents through dialogue and adopt a more humane approach in addressing the dispute.
Similarly, resident Joseph Kanu raised concerns over the fate of vulnerable families, particularly women and children, should the demolitions continue.
“They want to destroy the place, but where will we go?” Kanu asked emotionally. “Who will take care of us if we become homeless?”
Kanu alleged that many residents had not been adequately informed about the demolition exercise, leaving confusion and fear throughout the community. “People are crying. Some are injured, and many are frightened about what comes next,” the resident said.
Witnesses said tensions escalated when security personnel reportedly used tear gas to disperse protesting residents, prompting some youths to retaliate by throwing stones and bottles. The confrontation reportedly left several individuals injured and heightened concerns surrounding land disputes, forced displacement and the growing strain between authorities and vulnerable communities in the capital.
Residents have also raised concerns about alleged ownership disputes involving the land, claiming there was inadequate consultation before the demolition exercise began. However, those allegations remain independently unverified.
It was confirmed to this medium that and Indian national owning the SI Construction has already bought the land to the government of Sierra Leone. But the question is: Has the land been sole for national development?
As of press time, authorities had not issued an official statement regarding the demolition, the reported use of tear gas or the clashes in Kissy Dockyard. The incident has since renewed calls for government intervention, peaceful dialogue and humanitarian consideration in resolving housing and land disputes affecting ordinary citizens.
For many families in Kissy Dockyard, the plea remains simple but urgent: “Do not leave us homeless.”
