Koidu City, May 17, 2025 — In a powerful display of solidarity, the wives of over 900 dismissed workers from Koidu Limited took to the streets of Koidu City today, demanding justice and the reinstatement of their husbands’ employment.
Clad in attire bearing the company’s insignia and holding placards, the women voiced concerns over the hardships their families face due to the sudden layoffs, including hunger and financial instability.
The protest is the latest development in a protracted labor dispute between Koidu Limited, Sierra Leone’s largest diamond mining company, and its workforce.
The conflict began in December 2024 when workers initiated a strike over grievances related to wages and working conditions. Although negotiations led to a temporary suspension of the strike, talks collapsed, and industrial action resumed in March 2025.
Central to the workers’ complaints is the company’s use of an outdated exchange rate from 2016 to calculate salaries, resulting in employees receiving only about 30% of their expected pay. Additional concerns include inadequate sanitation facilities and lack of access to safe drinking water at the mining site.
In response, Koidu Limited suspended operations in March, citing safety concerns and financial losses estimated at $16 million. The company has since laid off over 1,000 employees, labeling the strike as illegal and attributing the dismissals to gross misconduct.
The situation has garnered national attention, notably from First Lady Fatima Bio, a native of Kono District. In early March, she joined the protesting workers, advocating for improved working conditions and fair compensation. Her involvement has been met with mixed reactions; while workers appreciated her support, Koidu Limited accused her of incitement and unlawful interference.
The Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security has acknowledged receipt of the dismissal letters and assured the public of ongoing efforts to mediate the dispute. The government emphasizes its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining industrial harmony.
As tensions escalate, the families of the dismissed workers continue to call on the government, company executives, and local leaders to intervene and find a resolution that ensures justice and sustains livelihoods in the Kono community.
