The ongoing dispute between First Lady Fatima Bio and Koidu Limited mining company has drawn strong public reactions, with many citizens rallying behind the First Lady and condemning what they describe as corporate intimidation and abuse.
The controversy intensified when over 1,000 workers were reportedly dismissed from Koidu Limited, sparking public outrage and fueling tensions in the diamondiferous district of Kono. According to Mrs. Bio, it was the company’s management that initially approached her to intervene in the labor dispute. However, after she refused to side with the company and instead highlighted the grievances of the workers, she claims Koidu Limited responded with threats and attempts to discredit her.
In a public address, the First Lady accused the mining company of engaging in serious human rights violations, including negligence toward workers who suffered injuries linked to mining activities. She criticized the company for failing to provide adequate support or compensation to the affected workers.
In response, Koidu Limited issued a statement rejecting her involvement in the matter, claiming that the First Lady holds no official government position, and warning her against what they described as interference.
Despite the company’s position, many Sierra Leoneans have voiced strong support for the First Lady, commending her for standing up against exploitation and siding with workers and vulnerable communities.
“Any attack on the First Lady is an attack on the presidency and the nation as a whole,” said Sorrie Dumbuya, a Freetown resident. “We may have our own differences as citizens, but we will not allow any foreign entity to attack our First Lady. We will defend her and our country,” he fumed.
Isata Sia Mbriwa, speaking from Kono district, said workers had endured years of mistreatment in silence, and only now feel heard because of the First Lady’s intervention.
“For a long time, we’ve suffered without anyone standing up for us. It took the First Lady to finally shine a light on our suffering,” she said.
Tamba Pessima echoed similar sentiments, describing the confrontation as not just a labor issue, but a larger fight against exploitation and neo-colonial practices.
“We stand with the First Lady. We’re tired of being exploited. This is about justice and dignity,” he said.
As the standoff continues, public pressure is mounting for a transparent investigation into the alleged abuses by Koidu Limited and for the protection of workers’ rights. Many are also calling for a broader national conversation on foreign corporate accountability in Sierra Leone’s natural resource sector.
Meanwhile, the First Lady has reiterated her commitment to advocating for ordinary Sierra Leoneans, emphasizing that her actions are not political, but humanitarian.
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.