Why Treat Gento This Cruel Way?

The ongoing Kasafoni land dispute has taken a new twist, raising questions about fairness, loyalty, and the treatment of prominent Sierra Leoneans who have contributed immensely to the ruling party’s success.

Recently, the Gento Group reached an agreement with the Kasafoni community over a long-standing land issue — a development that was expected to bring peace, clarity, and economic benefits to the area.

However, shortly after the agreement was sealed, a press release surfaced from a senior government official, instructing the public and stakeholders that no one should engage in business with the Gento Group. This abrupt directive has shocked both the company and the community, who now feel caught in a political and legal limbo.

Frustrated and seeking justice, the Kasafoni residents have petitioned Parliament, urging lawmakers to intervene. Yet, despite their persistent calls, there has been no tangible response or resolution. The delay has only deepened concerns about transparency and accountability in how the matter is being handled.

For many, the treatment of the Gento Group — and its owner, Gento — feels unjust and undeserved. Gento is not just a businessman; he is a patriotic Sierra Leonean who has stood firmly with the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), investing both his resources and reputation in support of the party over the years. Such loyalty, they argue, should not be rewarded with public vilification or economic isolation.

The case has now become more than a land dispute — it is a litmus test for how the SLPP treats its own, particularly those who have sacrificed and contributed towards its political victories. Sierra Leoneans are watching closely, and many are asking the same question: If someone like Gento can be sidelined after years of service to the party, what hope is there for ordinary citizens seeking fairness and justice?