Koidu Limited Workers Block Main Road to Freetown Over Mass Dismissals

Traffic along the main highway to Freetown reportedly came to a standstill on Tuesday as hundreds of workers from Koidu Limited staged a major protest against what they call unjust dismissals by the company’s management.

The demonstration, which began early in the day, disrupted the flow of vehicles and sparked concern among commuters and authorities.

Protesters, many of whom held placards and chanted slogans, claimed they were wrongfully terminated following a prolonged labor dispute.

Reports indicate that over 100 employees received termination letters, citing “gross misconduct” linked to an “illegal” strike action earlier this year. The affected workers say the company’s actions are retaliatory and ignore months of negotiations that took place between staff representatives, management, and officials from the Ministry of Employment, Labor and Social Security.

The industrial dispute began several months ago, with workers highlighting poor working conditions and calling for better treatment. Despite several meetings aimed at resolving the impasse, tensions escalated after management decided to terminate contracts of those who remained on strike.

Leaked documents show that the termination letters were dated March 5, 2025, and specify that the dismissed employees will not receive any salary or end-of-service benefits, citing violations of contract terms.

As of May 7, 2025, reports indicate that workers from Koidu Limited have escalated their ongoing protest by blocking the main road leading to Freetown. This action is in response to what they describe as unfair dismissals and deteriorating labor conditions. The blockade has disrupted traffic and raised concerns among commuters and local authorities.The company has placed its operations under “care and maintenance” as per the Mines and Minerals Act, 2022, pending resolution of the ongoing crisis.

The Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security has expressed disappointment over Koidu Limited’s handling of the dispute, criticizing the company’s unilateral actions and alleged suppression of trade union rights.

The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL) has conducted a fact-finding mission to investigate potential human rights violations related to the labor dispute. Their findings are pending publication.

As the situation develops, authorities are likely to engage with both the protesting workers and Koidu Limited’s management to seek a resolution that addresses the workers’ grievances while restoring normalcy to the affected areas.