By Mohamed Kamara
Tribal authorities in Sierra Leone’s Western Area have successfully adjudicated over 500 local disputes in the past year, significantly easing the caseload of magistrate courts in the region. This was made possible through the efforts of more than 500 Sub-Tribal Chiefs working in close collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police.
According to a Sub-Chief based in the Eastern district of the Western Area, who requested anonymity, the tribal courts continue to serve as vital pillars in the administration of customary justice. Despite the dominance of English common law in the country’s formal legal system, he said, many citizens still trust and respect the rulings of traditional authorities.
“Customary laws are not criminal or corporate in nature, but they offer culturally grounded resolutions to civil disputes,” he explained. “We operate within our mandate, levy fines within the law, and, most importantly, we have helped reconcile and reunite families across communities.”
He added that the role of tribal leadership extends beyond conflict resolution. “For a nation to truly develop, it must respect and preserve its traditions, cultures, and customs. We must not allow ourselves to be completely shaped by foreign influences,” he noted.
The chief emphasized the historical role of tribal heads—both pre- and post-independence—as conduits for peace, social harmony, and information dissemination. He recalled that prior to the August 10, 2022 protests, tribal authorities were instrumental in engaging youth and promoting nonviolence through radio programs and community outreach.
He further stated that tribal leaders were among the first to commend President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership and condemn the attempted coup on November 16, reaffirming their commitment to peace and national stability.
“The tribal authorities see themselves as the fathers of the land, with the people as their children,” he concluded. “Our responsibility is to guide, protect, and unify.”
