Freetown — Section and Town chiefs in various chiefdoms in the Koinadugu district have demonstrated the desire to reconcile. This was as a result of recent visits by Fambul Tok staff to various communities to sensitise people about the activities of the project.

In Folosaba Dembelia chiefdom, Balandugu section, Section Chief Mamoud Conteh welcomed Fambul Tok initiative to reconcile communities, stating that other projects have come and gone but none had thought of reconciling communities.

In her contribution, Mammy Queen Musu Conteh said during the war, women suffered a lot, stressing that there was need to pay attention to those that were sexually abused.

In Musaia section in the same chiefdom, ex-Sergeant Major Amadu Jawara lamented that it has taken over 20 years without appeasing their ancestors. He said Fambul Tok's idea of bringing people together to reconcile was good especially when their communities were faced with problems.

Section chief of Dogoloya, Folosaba Dembelia chiefdom also joined elders to welcome Fambul Tok staff. He said there were lots of problems between cattle owners and rice farmers.

Chief Abu Bakarr Jalloh confessed that it has been very difficult to settle minor conflicts, adding that one of the ways would now be through Fambul Tok structure.

In Kaponpoh section, Wara Wara Bafodia chiefdom, community members lamented over the poor harvest in the past years. Chief Sorie Conteh said they have not held any activity relating to tradition since the war ended. He said they always realize poor harvests because their bushes have been affected (unclean).

"This section used to produce large quantities of cocoa yams and even rice that supplied the whole country but after the war we noticed poor yields and we have not had the opportunity to 'clean' our land," he said.

Town chief of Bafodia, Alimamy Conteh said they were yet to come together since the war ended. He said although gunshots were no more there were pertinent issues affecting them that needed to be addressed.

He further raised the issue of reparations but one of Fambul Tok's district executive members who reside in that community clarified that reparation activities are carried out by the National Commission for Social Action (NaCSA).

In Mannah section, Sinkunia Dembelia chiefdom, Chief Issa Sawaneh said they suffered a lot during the war, noting that most of those that committed atrocities came from afar. He said they were ready to reconcile for the development of the country.

In Sagalireh, a predominant area for Fullahs, the people agreed to reconcile as they were always at loggerheads with one another.