Whose Development? Human Rights Abuses in Sierra Leone's Mining Boom
Publisher: Human Rights Watch
Author(s): Human Rights Watch
Date: 2014
Topics: Extractive Resources, Governance, Humanitarian Assistance
Countries: Sierra Leone
This report focuses on the human rights impact of the mining activity of African Minerals Limited in Sierra Leone. It examines not only why the April 2012 protest in Bumbuna happened, but how the Sierra Leonean government, while promoting the company’s operations as essential to Sierra Leone’s economic development, permitted company actions that violated the rights of Tonkolili’s residents.
The report also details the government’s failure to provide adequate oversight of AML’s consultations with local communities, relocation process, response to complaints, and operations. The government failed to adequately or accurately inform residents of plans that directly affected their livelihoods, and did not investigate alleged abuses by the police. Key Sierra Leone institutions have shown either a lack of will, interest, or ability to ensure residents’ rights are respected – crucial for them to benefit from Sierra Leone’s rapid economic growth.