By Omar Bah
The Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice (EFSCRJ) is urging victims of the recent home demolitions in Salagi to consider taking legal action against the government.
The Department of Physical Planning has initiated the demolition of several homes in Salagi, Sukuta, causing significant distress among residents. Many families are now left homeless, and there are concerns about potential land grabbing by government officials. Residents assert that they legally acquired their land and invested substantial resources into their homes, yet they have not received fair compensation. While the government cites concerns about encroachments on allocated plots, residents are eager to clarify their situation and seek redress.
In a recent statement shared with The Standard, the center expressed its concerns regarding the demolitions.
“EFSCRJ finds these actions troubling and encourages constructive dialogue on this issue. We stand with the victims and the Sukuta community, including National Assembly Member Fatou Cham of Sanimentereng, to advocate for fairness and justice. We invite all affected individuals to come together to explore their legal options, and EFSCRJ is committed to providing support throughout this process,” the center stated.
The Centre also highlighted the complexities surrounding land issues in the region, pointing to a climate of corruption that has affected various stakeholders, including officials, alkalos, seafood, and estate agencies. “We acknowledge the Ministry’s advisory issued in March 2025, which encourages citizens to exercise caution when dealing with estate agents,” the statement continued. “It is important to recognize that the government has allocated plots to several high-ranking officials, even when they already possess private property, raising concerns about adherence to the State Lands Act. EFSCRJ has submitted a request under the Access to Information Act to obtain a list of all land allocations from 2017 to 2024, and we look forward to a constructive response from the Ministry.”
The Centre emphasized that individuals building homes in areas like Salagi usually follow legal channels. “They often purchase land and secure the necessary permissions to build. Many have lived in their homes for years without any government intervention. The government must engage more meaningfully with the community instead of relying solely on public statements.”
EFSCRJ strongly advocates for an immediate halt to further demolition activities and emphasizes the importance of fully compensating affected individuals so they can rebuild their homes. The center also calls for abandoning planned demolitions in the identified areas. “The Ministry should conduct thorough investigations into land allocations, communicate its findings transparently, and work collaboratively with local and traditional authorities to identify and demarcate lands. This collaboration should include creating designated spaces for recreation, public services, and other community facilities to foster a supportive environment for all residents.”
