Koidu City, 31 May 2025 — The labor dispute at Koidu Limited, Sierra Leone’s largest diamond mining operation, has taken a new turn as the wives of the striking workers joined the protests today.
Their involvement has intensified the crisis, underscoring the deepening social and economic impact of the dispute in Kono District.
Hundreds of women took to the streets of Koidu City this morning, marching in solidarity with their husbands. Clad in Koidu Limited regalia and carrying placards, the women voiced their frustrations over the layoffs, demanding the reinstatement of contracts and payment of long-overdue benefits.
“We are suffering, and our children are going hungry because of these sudden layoffs,” one protester said, calling on the government, company officials, and local authorities to step in and resolve the dispute.
The protest follows a week of industrial action by over 900 former employees of Koidu Limited, who say they were unfairly dismissed. Tensions are rising as stakeholders are urged to open dialogue to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The ongoing unrest at Koidu Limited highlights the need for fair labor practices and transparent communication. The involvement of workers’ families signals a broader community impact and emphasizes the urgency of finding a sustainable resolution.
