by Assan Sallah.
Residents of Makka Saderr Village in the Niani District, Central River Region, have expressed concerns over looming Alkaloship succession in the Village , following the death of the Alkalo Abdul Jawo.
Villagers reached out to LamToro News about the succession plan allegedly initiated by the chief of Niani Pierre Bah, following his visit to the village on 27th July 2025, during he allegedly conducted an election among the villagers to fill the vacant position of the Alkalo.
The former Alkalo, Abdul Jawo passed away recently and following the 40 days charity, the Chief of Niani , Pierre Bah gathered elders of the village to select a new Alkalo.
However, during the process, the brother of the late Alkalo , Mr. Jawo contested against Abdoulie Manneh, whose father founded the village and was Chief for over 30 years.
According to villagers, Abdoulie Manneh won the election. “Abdoulie Manneh had 9 votes and Mr. Jawo had only 5 votes but the chief Pierre Bah wants to conduct another election to give chance to Mr. Jawo to become the next Alkalo. This is unfair and we will not accept it. We have informed the Minister of Local Government already,” said one of the villagers supporting Abdoulie Manneh.
LamToro News contacted Chief Pierre Bah to get his reaction to the allegations of interference into the Alkaloship succession. Chief Bah denied conducting an election among the viilagers but confirmed visiting the village after the 40 days charity of the late Alkalo. He said he informed the villagers to come together and choose the next Alkalo. According to him, there are almost 30 compounds in Makka Saderr Village and less than 15 people were present on Sunday, 27th July when he visited the village to discuss the succession plan. He added that some of the people present at the gathering were not compound heads even though they supported Abdoulie Manneh. The Chief disclosed that he is going back to Makka Saderr village tomorrow, Tuesday, 29th July to collect the list of compound heads who decide to choose the next Alkalo between Mr Manneh and Mr Jawo.
“There is no election and I don’t have the power to choose an Alkalo or conduct election fot the villagers. I told them that there is a process in getting a successor for the Alkaloship position and that is , each compound head should write and sign a paper to indicate his support for one of the candidates. I will collect this paper from them and write a recommendation and submit it to the Governor of onward distribution to the minister of Local Government . The Minister has the power to approve who will be the next Alkalo,” Chief Bah told LamToro News.
Below is the press statement issued by the Saderr Manneh Family on the Alkaloship succession and the allegations against Chief Pierre Bah.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 28th July 2025
Subject: Concern Over Alkalo Succession Process in Makka Saderr Village, Niani District
The Saderr Manneh family of Makka Saderr Village, Niani District, Central River Region, wishes to inform the public and relevant authorities of serious concerns regarding the ongoing process of selecting a new Alkalo following the passing of the late Mr. Abdul Jawo.
Makka Saderr Village was founded by the late Seyfo Saderr Manneh, who served the Niani District as Seyfo for 38 years. Since its founding, leadership in the village has remained within the family, with three of his sons—Alieu Manneh, Abdoulie Manneh, and Demba Manneh—serving at different times as Alkalo. During the tenure of the former regime, Mr. Demba Manneh was removed, and Mr. Abdul Jawo was installed as Alkalo by the then government.
Despite this political decision, the Manneh family refrained from contesting the leadership of Mr. Jawo for over a decade, prioritizing peace and unity in the village.
However, following the recent death of Mr. Abdul Jawo, the Chief of Niani, Mr. Pierre Bah, conducted an election in Makka Saderr on July 27th, 2025, to select a new Alkalo. Mr. Abdoulie Manneh, son of the village’s founder, was elected by the majority of residents present.
To the family’s dismay, Chief Bah expressed dissatisfaction with the outcome, citing Mr. Manneh’s previous removal under the former regime. He further announced his intent to hold a second election, a move the family perceives as unjustified and influenced by personal alliances, particularly with the brother of the late Abdul Jawo.
This decision has raised serious concerns about fairness, transparency, and the integrity of the process. The family strongly believes that any attempt to reverse the outcome of a valid community election disrespects the legacy of the village’s founder and undermines the democratic will of the people.
There is growing suspicion that misleading information has been communicated to the Governor of the Central River Region and possibly to other high offices. In light of this, the Saderr Manneh family deems it necessary to publicly express their concerns to ensure that the truth prevails and that justice is not compromised.
The family calls on the Government, regional authorities, civil society, and the general public to stand by the principles of fairness, truth, and respect for community heritage and leadership structures.
Signed
The Saderr Manneh Family
