In a firm and uncompromising move, ARISE UK lawyers have sent a “Letter Before Action” to the Government of Sierra Leone, dated November 1, 2023. Addressed to the Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, this letter, issued by LinkLaters, a prominent London-based law firm, sternly warns against the government’s proposed course of action.
The ARISE IIP legal team vehemently cautioned the Sierra Leonean government not to proceed with their plans, as unveiled during a press conference held at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel in Freetown on October 27, 2023.
Specifically, the warning pertains to the approval of a new lease agreement with Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited, aimed at overseeing the development, expansion, and management of the Pepel Railway and Port.
In no uncertain terms, the lawyers from LinkLaters have threatened to initiate legal action against the Government of Sierra Leone should they persist in the course of action presented in the October 27 press conference. The government has been given until November 3, 2023, to confirm in writing that they will not proceed with their previously stated plans.
The letter from LinkLaters states, “Failing this, our client reserves its rights to begin legal action against GoSL (including and not limited to injunctions, arbitral claims for interim relief, and claims for damages).”
As the situation unfolds, a senior government official has refrained from commenting on the matter, citing that he has yet to review the contents of the letter from LinkLaters.
The case remains under investigation.