By Yusufu Abu Sesay

The discovery of lithium in Ngowahun Chiefdom, Bombali District, has reignited a century-old land dispute between the people of Rogbalan and their neighbors in Tambiama and Mayima. What was once a settled matter in the courts is now threatening to plunge the chiefdom into chaos.

According to elders in Rogbalan, their claim to the land dates back several generations. Oral history recalls that their ancestor, Sheriff Mahmud, a talisman of great renown, was invited by Chief Kandeh Saio I of Tambiama and Mayima to help expel enemies through spiritual means. In return, a portion of land was granted to him and his descendants. For decades, the Rogbalan people lived peacefully on the land until lithium was discovered.

Despite repeated court victories confirming their ownership, residents alleged that prominent local figures, including Abdul Jalloh, Court Chairman Alimamy Koroma, and Chiefdom Speaker Komrabai Kanu, are behind renewed attempts to dispossess them.

On 23rd December 2023, tensions escalated when Rogbalan came under attack. Homes were torched, and a youth, Mohamed Sheriff, sustained a gunshot wound on the head. The community accuses the Tambiama and Mayima people of orchestrating the assault to reclaim the land rich in mineral deposits.

As youth leader, Mohamed Sheriff warned that “unless the government intervenes decisively, violence may become the only language left in this struggle over lithium”.