By Abdul Kamara

Muslim community in Sierra Leone is celebrating after Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stepped in to resolve a contentious dispute over a parcel of land at Bai Bureh Road, Kissy.

The 3.1420-acre property had been at the heart of weeks of tension and uncertainty, leaving many concerned about its future.

The land was originally leased to the Sierra Leone Muslim Pilgrims Movement (SLMPM) for 99 years, but the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning later revoked the lease, citing unpaid fees. The Ministry then sold the property to Randlyn Holding; a development company owned by a businessman Haj Fawaz, for US$200,000 a move that angered many Muslims who viewed the land as part of their heritage.

Amid growing public outcry, Vice President Jalloh initiated a wide consultative process, bringing together the Ministry of Lands, the Ministry of Social Welfare, SLMPM representatives, and Randlyn Holding. After weeks of careful deliberation, he ordered that the sale be canceled and directed that steps be taken to help SLMPM regularize its ownership of the property.

The decision has been hailed as a fair and just outcome. In a statement, SLMPM expressed gratitude to the Vice President and the Lands Ministry, calling the move a “demonstration of justice, fairness, and institutional integrity.” Members of the group said the resolution not only secured the land but also restored their trust in government.

Community leaders described the Vice President’s role as wise and sensitive, noting that his approach helped defuse tensions and prevent the dispute from escalating further. For many Muslims, the outcome represents more than a legal victory; it is seen as a sign of respect for their voices and a commitment to fairness at the highest level of government.

Analysts believe the intervention has further strengthened Dr. Jalloh’s reputation as a consensus-builder. His insistence on dialogue and inclusion of all stakeholders was key in reaching the outcome that restored peace and confidence in the process.

As one elder in the community put it, “The Vice President has given us hope. He has shown that when leaders listen, justice can prevail.”

With the dispute now settled, SLMPM leaders say they are eager to refocus on their programmes without the shadow of uncertainty hanging over their property.