By Mohamed Kamara
The recent dismissal of over 1,000 workers by Koidu Holdings has sparked public outcry, with citizens accusing the company of disregarding labor rights and prioritizing corporate interests over national welfare.
Victims and civil society actors have criticized the move as a violation of international labor standards and Sierra Leone’s own commitment to protecting workers’ rights under International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
Indrissa Kanu, one of the affected workers, lamented the government’s failure to intervene decisively. “If the company could not meet the demands of the workers, it should have been shut down and replaced with one that values Sierra Leoneans and ensures the country’s mineral wealth benefits its people,” he said. Kanu reminded authorities of President Julius Maada Bio’s pledge upon assuming office—to safeguard the rights of citizens and ensure they benefit from the nation’s natural resources.
Another dismissed worker, Musa Komba, drew comparisons with Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta, where locals have taken drastic measures to demand accountability from foreign investors. “In other countries, the people defend their rights fiercely. Here, promises are made by the Ministry of Labour, but the reality is different,” he said. “Those sacked will likely never be reinstated. Their roles have already been replaced, and the consequences—more hunger and deepening poverty—will affect over 8,000 Sierra Leoneans.”
Civil society organizations are calling for a government-led investigation into the circumstances surrounding the mass dismissals, urging transparency, enforcement of labor laws, and protection of the workforce from exploitative practices.
As Sierra Leone continues to attract foreign investment in its mining sector, questions remain about the government’s ability—and willingness—to enforce labor protections and uphold the rights of its citizens.
