Fritong Post stands firmly with the over 1,000 Sierra Leonean workers recently dismissed by Koidu Holdings Limited. This mass termination, carried out in the aftermath of weeks of justified protests against exploitative wages, hazardous conditions, and blatant disrespect for workers’ rights, is unjustifiable as it is deeply reprehensible.
We categorically condemn the action as irrational and emblematic of the company’s failure to ‘bargain in good faith’ with its workforce. It is utterly unacceptable that these workers, whose only demand was to be treated with dignity, should now be punished for daring to speak out against injustice.
International labour standards are clear. The International Labour Organization’s (ILO) 1998 Declaration of Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work recognises the rights to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and a safe and healthy working environment. These rights are further reinforced by the ILO’s Centenary Declaration (2019), which recognises workers’ rights as “...a key element for the attainment of inclusive and sustainable growth, with a focus on freedom of association and the effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining as enabling rights.” These principles are not optional; they are essential for achieving inclusive, sustainable development.
We commend the First Lady for her advocacy and unwavering support for these workers, who have endured a long-standing pattern of exploitation and abuse—conditions more reminiscent of servitude than gainful employment. Her intervention is both timely and necessary.
In light of these grave developments, Fritong Post urgently calls on all relevant government bodies, particularly those with regulatory and oversight responsibilities in the mining sector, as well as lawmakers and Kono District leaders, to act decisively. It is imperative that these stakeholders unite to protect the rights of our fellow citizens, ensure accountability from Koidu Holdings, and put an end to the systemic mistreatment of Sierra Leonean workers.
Furthermore, we urge Koidu Holdings to rescind all dismissals and reinstate its local workforce immediately.
Justice demands nothing less!
