MLGCA, Malimba Union Resolve Dispute
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), in collaboration with the Malimba Union, has resolved a prolonged dispute between two rival groups over the Limba Tribal Headship of Kono District.
The dispute involved Party A, represented by Sorie Macko Bangura, who currently serves as Regent Limba Tribal Head, and Party B, represented by Musa Koroma. Supporters of Party B have been advocating for Koroma to be appointed to the substantive position of Limba Tribal Head, replacing Bangura.
The dispute was further complicated by a letter dated 16th June 2026 from the Limba Tribal Chieftaincy Administration, Western Area, recommending Musa Koroma for consideration and revalidation as Limba Tribal Head of Kono District. The letter stated that Koroma was presented following consultations with Limba tribesmen in Kono and was recognized for his commitment to the welfare and advancement of the Limba community.
The matter came to the attention of MLGCA after the rival parties’ submitted competing correspondence concerning the leadership of the Limba community in Kono. The Senior District Officer for Kono District, William Ngegbai, subsequently facilitated engagements between the two parties before referring the matter to the Ministry for further consideration and resolution.
Following consultations involving MLGCA officials and the Malimba Union, the Ministry reached a number of decisions aimed at bringing clarity and stability to the leadership of the Limba community.
Speaking during the consultations, the Acting Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Alfred Moi Jamiru, stressed the importance of respecting customary laws, traditions and established procedures in resolving traditional leadership disputes.
He cautioned against unilateral actions that could undermine peace and social cohesion, emphasizing that disputes over traditional leadership must be addressed through dialogue and established institutional processes. He also expressed appreciation to MLGCA’s substantive Minister, Amb. Tamba Lamina, for the supportive role he has played behind the scenes throughout the process.
The Permanent Secretary of MLGCA, Prince Alex Soriba, said the Ministry’s intervention was prompted by the need to prevent the dispute from escalating into a broader threat to social cohesion and economic activity within the community.
He noted that ethnic groups have their own customs and traditions governing leadership and stressed that any resolution must take those customary practices into account.
Meanwhile, MLGCA Director of Local Government, Brima Newman Combey, cautioned against the creation and use of unauthorized traditional titles, noting that such practices could create confusion and potentially undermine public order.
Combey said the Ministry must be able to verify the identity and status of individuals presenting themselves as traditional leaders, adding that MLGCA would continue to cross-check claims of traditional leadership.
He further stressed that Regents must recognize the temporary nature of their role and follow established procedures when the process for transitioning to substantive traditional leadership begins.
Following the consultations, MLGCA reached four key resolutions:
Continuation as Regent: Sorie Macko Bangura shall continue to serve as Regent Limba Tribal Head until the Malimba Union presents a candidate to MLGCA for appointment as the substantive Limba Tribal Head of Kono District.
Formal Notification: MLGCA shall formally communicate the decision to Sorie Macko Bangura in writing, confirming that he will remain in the position of Regent Tribal Head until the Malimba Union presents a candidate for appointment as the substantive Tribal Head.
Ineligibility for Substantive Position: Sorie Macko Bangura shall no longer be eligible to aspire to or contest for the substantive position of Limba Tribal Head, having served as Regent (caretaker) Tribal Head for more than ten months without resigning from the regency to pursue the substantive position.
Advisory Role: Upon the appointment of a substantive Limba Tribal Head, Sorie Macko Bangura shall serve as an adviser to the newly appointed Tribal Head, drawing on the experience and knowledge he acquired during his tenure as Regent.
