Collaborative Mediation Engagement by Moyamba District Security Stakeholders and SiLNoRF Supports De-escalation and Peaceful Coexistence in Ngiehum Community.

By: Communication Department SiLNoRF (StoryLab Creative_Pro).

SiLNoRF successfully facilitated a high-level community engagement and mediation dialogue with stakeholders and youth representatives of Ngiehum at the Ngiehum Community Centre following the recent land-related tensions between the communities of Ngiehum and Monkainsay.

The strategic engagement, coordinated and convened by the Moyamba District Security Sector in collaboration with SiLNoRF under its ongoing RAB Project intervention framework, brought together a broad spectrum of key state and non-state actors. Participants included representatives from the Office of National Security (ONS), the Land Commission South, the District Officer (D.O), Assistant District Officer (A.D.O), Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Local Unit Commander (LUC), the Speaker of Kaboro Chiefdom, the Town Chief, civil society actors, legal practitioners, and other relevant community leadership structures.

The primary objective of the engagement was to provide an inclusive, neutral, and constructive platform for dialogue, de-escalation, and confidence-building following the recent land dispute, which reportedly resulted in fatalities and injuries. During the session, community members were given the opportunity to openly express their concerns, frustrations, and expectations regarding both the incident and the broader land governance challenges affecting the area.

As a development and governance-focused institution implementing interventions within both affected communities, SiLNoRF considered it both necessary and timely to proactively support peacebuilding and social cohesion efforts, particularly as land governance and conflict mitigation remain key components of the organization’s programming priorities.

Importantly, the engagement contributed significantly to easing tensions within the community, with stakeholders from Ngiehum collectively committing to maintaining calm, allowing state institutions and lawful investigative processes to proceed without interference, and discouraging any form of retaliatory action or unlawful conduct.

The meeting further reinforced public confidence in formal justice and conflict-resolution mechanisms, as government authorities and security sector representatives assured residents that ongoing investigations into the matter are being handled through the appropriate legal and institutional channels.

SiLNoRF acknowledges the constructive participation, professionalism, and timely interventions demonstrated by all institutions, community stakeholders, and peace actors whose contributions helped stabilize an increasingly sensitive situation and promote dialogue over confrontation.

The organization remains committed to supporting peaceful engagement, community resilience, lawful mediation processes, and collaborative governance approaches aimed at sustaining stability, social cohesion, and lasting harmony within project communities and beyond.