In January 2021, the Government of Sierra Leone signed a lease agreement with the Chinese Iron Ore miner, Kingho Railway and Port Company Limited to use, manage, maintenance and rehabilitate the Railway and Port between Tonkolili and Pepel at Port Loko district for a period of two years with an option to terminate after the end of the two years lease agreement.
When the lease agreement expired on 8th January, 2023, the Government of Sierra Leone received an attractive offer from a world-renowned company that is known for developing and managing such facilities. The new company called ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms Limited has promised to invest heavily in developing the facilities and providing a level-playing field for other iron ore mining companies to avoid a monopoly.
The Cabinet, chaired by the President, looked at the new offer from ARISE and gave it the go-ahead in the best interest of the country. The Government of Sierra Leone on 17th January, 2023 signed a lease agreement with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms Limited for the development, expansion and management of the Pepel/Tonkolili Railway and Port.
It has to be noted that a decision taken by the Cabinet can only be overturned by the Cabinet itself. So, this is a done deal.
Instead of engaging the Government of Sierra Leone through diplomatic or other channels, Kingho have resorted to legal action in the Industrial Court. That is their right. But does that make common sense?
ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms Limited is a credible international company renowned for developing and managing railways and Ports across Africa.
The Attorney General and Minister of Justice has served a six monthsโ notice to Kingho to โvacate the demised propertiesโ as spelt out in the lease agreement. A tenant cannot fight their landlord. That should be food for thought.
May common sense prevail!
