By Thaimu T Kamara
Following a formal request from the ruling houses of the Munu Thalla Chiefdom, a peacebuilding engagement meeting was held on Saturday, 11th October 2025, at exactly 10:00 a.m. at the Chiefdom Local Court Barray. The purpose of the meeting was to foster collaboration, strengthen communication, and enhance the relationship between the Paramount Chief, stakeholders, and relevant partners within the Chiefdom.
In a peaceful and secure atmosphere, the Local Unit Commander (LUC) of the Kambia Police Division, Chief Superintendent of Police Mr. Sao Vandy, alongside the District Office of National Security (ONS) Coordinator Mr. Sysveter Kpukumu and other senior officers, engaged stakeholders from the five ruling houses to understand and address the key issues affecting the Chiefdom’s leadership, with the aim of promoting peace and stability.
The engagement began with both Christian and Muslim prayers, followed by introductions. The LUC and his team were warmly received by the stakeholders, who offered a clean glass of water and kola nuts-a traditional symbol of respect, loyalty, and commitment.
Chairing the meeting, Mr. Sysveter Kpukumu outlined the purpose of the gathering to promote peace among the ruling houses, address the ongoing leadership conflict involving the Paramount Chief, and strengthen strategic community policing while preventing crime within the Chiefdom.
Bia Jakie Kamara, representing the Bai Nanie Kabath Ruling House of Thalla section and a former chieftaincy candidate, was given the platform to speak. He cited the Paramount Chieftaincy struggle as the root cause of the current conflict. Expressing dissatisfaction with the electoral results, he openly stated that he would not participate in administrative activities within the Chiefdom.
In response, Mr. Kpukumu urged all stakeholders from both the Munu and Thalla sections to maintain peace and discipline to ensure continued calm within the community. *He emphasized the
importance of channeling grievances through the appropriate authorities and cautioned against taking the law into their own hands.
LUC Mr. Sao Vandy provided detailed insights into the regulations governing Paramount Chiefs and encouraged all stakeholders-especially the youth and other relevant parties-to respect the law, maintain peace, and contribute positively to the Chiefdom’s development.
The meeting concluded successfully, with heartfelt thanks and appreciation extended to the LUC, ONS, and their team for organizing the peaceful dialogue. *Stakeholders pledged their commitment to work closely with the security sector and to report any security-related concerns to uphold peace and stability in the Chiefdom.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 17th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
