The communities of Koidu have secured an important legal victory in their fight for justice.
On 28 May 2026, the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone dismissed an appeal filed by Octea Limited and other defendants in a long-running case brought by residents affected by diamond mining operations in Kono District. The decision means that an earlier Court of Appeal ruling in favour of the communities remains in place and that the case can now move forward to trial before the High Court in Koidu.
This is the latest development in a legal battle that began in 2019, when 74 residents filed a lawsuit against Koidu Limited, its parent and related companies, and company officials.
The residents say that years of mining activities have damaged their land, affected their health, reduced their ability to farm, and harmed their livelihoods. They are seeking justice and compensation for the impacts they say they have suffered.
A Victory Built on an Earlier Court Decision
The Supreme Court’s decision follows a major victory for the communities in October 2025. At that time, the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court decision that had dismissed the case. The Court of Appeal ruled that the communities had the right to bring their claims before the courts and that their concerns deserved to be heard. The judges also recognized that people living on customary land should be able to seek justice when their rights are affected, even if they are not the formal owners of the land.
The Court also ordered that the companies’ assets remain frozen while the case continues. The defendants later appealed that decision to the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has now dismissed that appeal, allowing the Court of Appeal judgment to stand.
Why the Communities Went to Court
Residents of Koidu have raised concerns about the impact of diamond mining operations for many years. Community members say mining waste has covered parts of their farmland, making it difficult to grow crops and support their families. Others say frequent blasting has damaged homes and disrupted daily life.
Many residents have also reported health problems that they believe are linked to dust, pollution, and mining activities in the area. Some families were relocated, but many have complained that the new housing was inadequate and did not provide the same opportunities to earn a living. For years, affected residents have called for accountability and fair compensation for the losses they say they have suffered.
What Happens Next?
With the appeal now dismissed, the case will return to the High Court in Koidu, where the communities will finally have the opportunity to present their claims in full.While the legal process is not yet over, the Supreme Court’s decision is an important step forward.
For the people of Koidu, it means that after years of delays and legal challenges, their fight for justice continues — and their voices will be heard in court.
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