Addressing Amalgamation Animosity
Amalgamation is long practice by our colonial master to avert upheavels in rural communities as well as promote a spirit of unity, peace and love amongst communities and their leaders but it is done in a transparent manner to avert future hostilities.
Several Chiefdoms in Sierra Leone have gone through this system during and after independence . It proved successful in some chiefdoms in the northern province of Sierra Leone such as Maforki in the Port Loko district, northern province of the country and Kafe Semiria Chiefdom to mention but a few whilst in other communities there are reports of mounting tensions emerging from both sides.
Kafe and Semiria Chiefdoms were two chiefdoms amalgamated in the late 19th century when the first Paramount Chief in the chiefdom, Alimamy Bangura 1st was elected. He ruled for over decades and when he died his son, P/C Alimamy Bangura 11 succeeded the throne and is still the ruling Paramount Chief today.
The other ruling houses in the former chiefdom ‘Kafe’ was reported have raised several complaints to the local administrators in the district that the amalgamation has left their sections shattered and muscled by the chiefdom administrators of Kafe Semiria for which they accused government of dictatorship in their own local administration. It is good news that up to this period in history there have never been reports of mishaps recorded.
This bring us to the ongoing tension in Loko Masama Chiefdom in the Port Loko district, northern province of Sierra Leone. The acrimony in the two areas need urgent attention before the situation get out of hands.
It would appear unrealistic to merge two chiefdoms when the recognized chiefdom is doubtful about the existence of other ruling houses within the same chiefdom. But what is very clear is based on the fact that, government has no hidden attention to set apart clans in their respective communities but to ensure a fair level play in the Paramount Chieftaincy election.
Loko Masama indigenes claimed that their ancestors were the founders of the chiefdom where the first Paramount Chief was crowned in the late 19th century and that a total of over 5 Paramount Chiefs have ruled in that Chiefdom long ago, whilst Kamasudu also argued on the contrary claiming that they owns ruling houses in their respective sections.
A meeting was reported to have been held by the amalgamation offer with stakeholders in the chiefdom informing the people that the two communities Kamasundu and Loko Masama communities were amalgamated chiefdoms.
It is sad to note that, the admonition of the amalgamated officer to the chiefdom elders to bring both communities under one umbrella has fell on deaf ears as the Loko Masama elders were reported to have resolved to mount up a delegation to the President or Vice President to look into their issues.
In Port Loko, the Adikali Modus and the Kamaras of Rokunk belong in one chiefdom whilst Bai Forki Sonkoi Kamara’s also emerge in the other sections of old Port Loko ruling houses. Both ruling houses have succeeded in ruling the chiefdom without any rancor.
It is imperative to note that, government always take such decision after consultations with local administrator without any hidden agenda to set clans apart.
Government amalgamates chiefdoms in the best interest of the people and their communities to dismiss allegation of marginalization and avoid chaos in addition to ensuring that every community participate in the local governance of its people.
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