Land disputes in Sierra Leone have long been a pressing issue, largely due to the conflicts between customary land ownership overseen by headmen and statutory land administration managed by the government.

This dual system creates confusion, leaving buyers vulnerable to conflicting claims.

Many individuals purchase land from local headmen, believing it to be legitimate, only to later face eviction or legal battles when the government asserts that the land is state property.

Conversely, land bought directly from the government often sparks disputes with traditional authorities, who claim ancestral rights over the territory.

The land tenure system in Sierra Leone is divided into two main categories: freehold ownership in the Western Area, governed by statutory laws such as the Property Act of 2001, and customary tenure in the provinces, where paramount chiefs and headmen act as custodians.

The latter system, deeply rooted in tradition, often lacks formal documentation, leading to ownership disputes when official records contradict customary claims.

The Ministry of Lands has faced mounting legal challenges as more people question the legitimacy of state land allocations, further complicating an already chaotic situation.

A 2021 report by the Complaints Committee on Land Disputes highlighted the frequency of these conflicts, with hundreds of cases recorded in the Western Area alone.

This underscores the widespread nature of the problem, affecting not only individuals but also businesses and large-scale investors who often find themselves caught in legal wranglings over land rights.

In response, the government passed the Customary Land Rights Act, 2022 and the National Land Commission Act, 2022, aimed at integrating customary and statutory laws to create a more transparent and conflict-free land administration system.

These reforms seek to clarify ownership rights, reduce corruption, and establish a centralized body for land governance.

Despite these legislative efforts, land disputes remain a critical issue in Sierra Leone.

The challenge lies on implementation as many communities continue to rely on traditional systems that clash with formal legal frameworks.

Without proper enforcement, public awareness, and a collaborative approach between government authorities and customary leaders, the cycle of disputes is likely to persist, undermining development and land security across the country.