President Kabbah Meets Temne Tribal Headman
By Yusuf Alghali

President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah has issued a stern warning to Tribal Heads appointed in the Western Area to desist from the "illicit practice of holding courts, imposing fines, arresting and locking up of so-called offenders".

Speaking during a meeting with the new Western Area Temne Tribal Headman, Mr. Alimamy Kandeh Kamara, at his Hill Station Presidential Lodge President Kabbah indicated that the functions of tribal heads are mainly restricted to advising government on the traditions and customs of the various tribes residing in Freetown.

He noted that the activities of some tribal heads were "becoming a bit of a problem for government", describing the trial and locking up of individuals brought before them as wrong. "You have no such powers and these actions could also be challenged by lawyers in the magistrate courts," the President added.

He went on to urge that tribal heads in Freetown stop regarding themselves as equals to provincial Paramount Chiefs. However, President Kabbah noted that as a man versed in the customs and traditions of his people, Chief Kandeh could use his office to mediate in disputes brought before him, thereby helping to promote peaceful coexistence and harmony amongst his tribesmen. In addition, he said his government would always rely upon Chief Kandeh to provide government with advice on matters relating to the customs and traditions of Temnes resident in Freetown.

Continuing, he made reference to the country's vast agricultural potential as well as government's expected delivery of agricultural machinery and reminded headmen of their "big responsibility" in guiding their various tribal communities in the Western Area on how they could contribute to moving the country forward. "Don't leave everything for government to do… In whatever you do, think Sierra Leone first so that we can all live together in peace, unity and harmony irrespective of tribe or creed," the Head of State concluded.

Chief Kandeh Kamara, who was accompanied by a delegation of fifty men and women first praised President Kabbah's government for having crowned some sixty elected Paramount Chiefs across the country without the ugly incidents that used to characterise such exercises in previous administrations.

While indicating his full acceptance of the advice given by the President, Chief Kamara said: "We take your instructions very seriously; we accept and will go by it." He disclosed that he had used his office to settle scores of disputes and misunderstandings, noting that three or four of such matters were brought before him almost on a weekly basis.

However, Chief Kamara stressed the need for people to "disarm their languages", referring to the sometimes widespread use of abusive and insulting languages which are often the subject of quarrels referred to him. He said the police were often incapable of handling such disputes satisfactorily, hence the need for tribal heads to be allowed to continue dealing with and resolving such conflicts. He also observed that certain wharves in the Western Area were serving as conduits for illicit imports and exports, pointing out that tribal heads could play a significant role in helping to monitor and halt the smuggling of essential items from the country.