By Buba Gagigo
More than 1,000 households, with a combined population exceeding 20,000 people—including youth, children, and women—are at risk of eviction in Mandinary Darusalam. This follows the issuance of an eviction notice by the Sheriff Division.
The eviction letter, which was served to several residents and shared with Kerr Fatou, stated in part:
“I write to inform you that the property you are currently occupying at MANDINARY VILLAGE, Kombo North District, in the West Coast Region is adjudged to be owned by SERINGNE BABOUCARR JOBE. To this end, all of you are by this letter warned to vacate from the said property on or before Friday, 13th day of September, 2024. Failure to adhere to this notice will lead to your forceful eviction from the said property,” the Sheriff Division wrote in a letter dated 13th August 2024,” the letter reads.
In response to the letter, the community organized a press conference on Saturday, September 14, 2024, urging government intervention.
“The notice clearly indicates that the said leased property is in Kombo Kerewan. Why does the eviction affect residents of Mandinary and its surroundings that are not part of Kombo Kerewan? This is a concern which should be observed by the relevant authorities in relation to the demarcation of village boundaries of Kerewan, Lamin, Mandinary and Makumbaya conducted sometime in 2013 by a taskforce established by the government. We wish to inform the relevant authorities that this statement is disheartening and would no doubt impact the socio-economic and political lives of the people residing in the above communities,” said Ebrima Sallah, Head of the community’s Task Force.
Sallah acknowledged the importance of protecting individual rights but stressed the government’s responsibility to safeguard the welfare, wellbeing, and territorial integrity of communities.
“If the eviction is implemented as planned, it is expected to displace more than one thousand (1,000) households with a total population of over twenty thousand (20,000) including youths, children and women. Most importantly, each compound owner has his/her land transfer documents, pays annual rates and taxes, and is in the process of acquiring occupancy and title deeds, thus contributing towards national development,” he explained.
Sallah also alleged that the land encroachment resulting from Mr. Serigne Jobe’s leased property in Kombo Kerewan has stalled the residents’ efforts to obtain Title Deeds.
“It would be illogical to deprive people and families of their life investments for the sake of unscrupulous individuals. This initiative is taken to grant absolute protection and security to the rights of citizenry/residents who are faced with housing constraints. We assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly due to the inconvenience and disruption it will cause to the livelihood of the affected residents and families,” Sallah stated.
He emphasized that the government must prioritize the interests of the community for the greater good, promoting social cohesion, equitable resource distribution, and long-term sustainability.
“On that note, we urge the relevant authorities to find alternative solutions. And explore all possible avenues to amicably resolve this matter for the sake of peace and humanity. We are convinced that the relevant authorities will listen to our concerns for the common interest of the communities that are threatened by this adverse notice. To conclude, we applaud the presence of all residents and media houses invited to cover this sensitive event,” he concluded during the press conference on Saturday.