By Nasratu Kargbo
Two persons have reportedly died after a raid by Forest Rangers on an illegal mining site at Tambaka in Karene District, according to Member of Parliament Abdul Karim Bangura. The MP has called on parliament to investigate the deaths. He also urged for proper protection of the forest.
Notifying Parliament about the issue on the 27th of February 2024, the MP who is a local of the community said: “As we speak, the last body has just been discovered and it is yet to be buried. With your permission Mr. Speaker I really want this house to set up a committee to investigate this matter”.
He said the investigation should look at the ownership of the reserved forest; Bangura further stated that his people have not been compensated for that reserve and noted that the people are suffering at the hands of the forest Rangers. He emphasized that they would like a boundary demarcation of the forest and for an investigation to be mounted to look into the deaths.
The MP stated that it is ironic that the rangers who have been assigned to protect the forest are the ones destroying it.
Speaker of Parliament Chernor Abass Bundu after a brief consultation with Leaders of both parties in parliament instructed the MP to inform parliament in writing about what he had told them, for them to take action.
Bundu said that certain parliamentary committees such as Lands, Environment, and Mining would have to look into the issues highlighted by the MP.
Responding to the Speaker, Members of Parliament from Karene District promised to ensure that they come together, draft the letter, and submit it as advised by the Speaker.
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