By Mariama Bundu
The Honourable Member of Parliament representing Biriwa Chiefdom in Bombali District, Paul Samba Conteh, has strongly objected to the proposed division of Biriwa Chiefdom, describing the move as unacceptable and contrary to the interests of the people.
The MP made the statement during a well-attended press conference organised by the Limba Community on Friday, 23rd October 2026, at Cage, Brookfields, in Freetown. The event brought together the Paramount Chief of Biriwa Chiefdom, section chiefs from the Limba community, the MP and members of the media.
According to Honourable Conteh, the issue surrounding the proposed division of Biriwa did not start recently. He recalled that during the administration of former President the late Ahmed Tejan Kabbah, attempts were allegedly made to conduct an election in the chiefdom despite concerns raised by the Limba community.
He claimed that the Limba people at the time refused to participate and went to their farms, while authorities were allegedly informed that peace had returned to Biriwa. He further recalled that then Chief Electoral Commissioner, Christian Thorpe, had expressed concerns about conducting an election in a place where there was no peace.
The MP alleged that a consultation process was not conducted before the current proposal to divide the chiefdom. He argued that the law requires consultation with the people before a chiefdom can be divided.
Honourable Paul Samba Conteh also questioned the proposed boundaries, noting that Biriwa has nine sections, seven of which, according to him, are predominantly Limba, while two have Mandingo populations. He stressed that Limba communities are also found within the two sections predominantly associated with the Mandingo population.
“There is no place in Biriwa you wouldn’t find a Limba,” he said, while arguing that the communities have lived together for generations.
The MP maintained that the proposed division could create unnecessary tension among communities that have historically lived together. He said the Limba community had encouraged Mandingos, Fullas and other ethnic groups to settle and live in Biriwa, stressing that inter-community relations had been built over many years.
He also pointed to the representation of different communities in the chiefdom, noting that while he is a Limba, two councillors are Fullas and the three court systems in Biriwa are headed by Mandingos. “So where is there no peace?” he questioned.
Honourable Paul Samba Conteh further criticised the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, Tamba Lamina, accusing him of failing to adequately consult the people before proposing the division. He argued that the people of Biriwa should be given an opportunity to express their views on any decision affecting the chiefdom.
The MP said the Limba community would challenge the proposed division through legal means if necessary.
“We will go to court because they want to impose the division of Biriwa, and we will not take it today or tomorrow,” he stated.
He also warned that any attempt to force the proposed division could face resistance from the people of Biriwa, while stressing that the community would not accept what he described as an imposed arrangement.
Honourable Conteh called on the authorities to reconsider the proposal and engage the people of Biriwa through meaningful consultation before taking any further action.
He concluded by reiterating that the people of Biriwa should have a say in determining the future administrative structure of their chiefdom, warning that imposing a division without broad consultation could undermine the longstanding coexistence among the communities.
