Critics of PC Foday Manso Koroma III, who was controversially elected Paramount Chief of Nieni Chiefdom in January 2024, have faced increasing threats and intimidation. According to sources, three cocoa farmers have fled the chiefdom due to fears for their safety. They claim that the Paramount Chief is using Local Courts and Sub Chiefs to suppress dissent.
PC Foday Manso Koroma, related to Deputy Minister Umaro Napoleon Koroma, allegedly boasts that his actions are protected by his nephew’s political power. The election process that brought him to power was marred by violence and alleged rigging, with reports of gunfire preventing many Tribal Authorities from voting.
Following the election, the Chief is said to have targeted critics, using the Local Courts to enforce punitive measures. The fleeing farmers—Sheku Jalloh, Ibrahim Jawara, and Foday Jalloh—report being forced to leave their village, Sawuria, for Freetown due to the Chief’s persecution.
The men had previously been attacked and harassed for supporting Robert Yirah Balla Koroma, the main rival in the elections. They now face hefty fines and demands for livestock and goods from the Local Court, which they claim are impossible to meet.
PC Foday Manso Koroma denies the allegations, labeling his critics as lawless and disrespectful. The Local Court Chairman, Tamba Koroma, asserts that the farmers have not attended court and denies any claims of harassment. Nieni Chiefdom remains unsettled due to the contentious election and ongoing tensions.
