 Sierra Leone’s government is calling for an inquiry into recent events in
which a number of protestors were killed in clashes with police officers in the
diamond-rich eastern Sierra Leone province of Kono. The clashes were sparked by
what the government dubbed as “discontent” between the Koidu Holdings Mining
Company and area residents.
The suspension of mining operations at the Koidu Holdings mining site has
also been ordered and a 10 pm to 6 am curfew remains in effect.
On December 13, area residents reportedly stormed the company’s site, setting
fire to surrounding brush, in response to the mining operations’ impact on
living conditions, according to IRIN.
The residents say that Koidu Holdings has failed to compensate affected
families, specifically referring to unmet promises to help in the resettlement
of residents displaced by its operations. A Koidu employee said that the company
has built 70 of the intended 350 houses and that the rainy season has delayed
completion of the rest.
Many residents live without running water, electricity, proper health care
and passable roads.
Following the events, members of parliament visited the area and issued a
statement condemning what they called “heavy-handed action taken” in quelling
the unrest.
“We believe it was a peaceful demonstration,” the MPs said in the statement,
“[one] which could have been settled through negotiations.”
Koidu residents say police shot and killed four protestors, but police claim
that only two were killed and that the demonstrators were armed.
News Room -
Full Article
Related Items:
|
