Bramaia Chiefdom, Kambia District – July 7, 2025 – A long-standing land dispute between the Mansaray family of Teneba Bramaia and the Bangura family of Sabuya has flared up once again in Bramaia Chiefdom, Kambia District, leading to violence and injuries.
The incident, which occurred on June 30, involved gunshots reportedly fired during a confrontation over disputed land boundaries.
According to Paramount Chief Alhaji Kandeh Momoh Samba Sulaiman De-Phoreh Dumbuya II, the land row dates back to the 1970s when a parcel of land was awarded to a woman who married into the Sabuya community. That decision has since been at the heart of legal and communal clashes between the two families.
Chief Dumbuya told Sierraeye Magazine that the matter has gone through the courts on three separate occasions between 1974 and 2025, with the Mansaray family emerging victorious in each ruling.
“The court has always ruled in favour of the Mansaray family, reaffirming their right to the land,” he said.
In a recent bid to de-escalate tensions, Chief Dumbuya mediated a meeting between both sides, during which a footpath was agreed upon as a neutral boundary to allow for unhindered farming activities during the planting season. However, just four days later, tensions reignited when members of the Sabuya community allegedly prevented their Bramaia counterparts from accessing the land, defying the agreement.
The situation quickly spiraled into violence. Gunshots were reportedly fired, and at least one man from Teneba Bramaia was shot in the leg. He is currently receiving medical treatment.
Chief Dumbuya confirmed the shooting and expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation.
“This is not what we wanted. We must continue to seek peace and work toward co-existence,” he urged.
Efforts to reach the Sierra Leone Police in Kambia for comment were unsuccessful as of press time. Meanwhile, Kambia District Council Chairperson Mohamed Abdul Masarico Mansaray told Sierraeye that the council was largely unaware of the matter. However, elderly residents told Politico that the dispute had previously been reported to the council.
Local authorities say they are now monitoring the situation closely, with hopes that dialogue and community engagement will pave the way for a lasting resolution. Many in the chiefdom, known for its strong communal ties, are calling for an end to the conflict before the planting season begins in full swing.
As tensions linger, residents and traditional leaders alike are urging both families to honour past agreements and work together for the sake of peace and development.
