By Mariama Benovia Davies
The National Secretary General of the National Council of Paramount Chiefs, P.C. Fayia Sundifu Brima Sovula IV of Kamajei Chiefdom, Moyamba District, has reaffirmed the indispensable role of Paramount Chiefs in promoting national security, good governance and community development, stating that the institution of chieftaincy remains one of Sierra Leone’s oldest and most enduring pillars of leadership.
Speaking at the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s Weekly Press Conference held at the Miatta Civic Centre on Tuesday, 28th July 2026, under the theme “National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference 2026: Strengthening Chieftaincy for Security and Governance,” the Paramount Chief underscored the historical significance of traditional leadership in safeguarding communities long before the formation of the modern Sierra Leonean state.
He noted that Paramount Chiefs have, since time immemorial, been responsible for administering their chiefdoms, maintaining peace and security, promoting commerce and ensuring the overall wellbeing of their people. He further explained that the institution of chieftaincy predates colonial administration and that treaties signed between traditional rulers and the colonial authorities contributed to the unification of the various chiefdoms and kingdoms into what is now Sierra Leone.
P.C. Fayia Sundifu stressed that security has always been an integral responsibility of Paramount Chiefs and should not be viewed as a new mandate. While acknowledging the impact of modernization on governance structures, he observed that some of the traditional responsibilities of chiefs have gradually been overlooked, calling for renewed appreciation of the institution’s contribution to peacebuilding and national cohesion.
Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s civil war, he recalled that while many citizens fled their communities in search of safety, Paramount Chiefs remained with their people, providing leadership and ensuring the continuity of local governance under difficult circumstances. According to him, their commitment during the conflict demonstrated the resilience and enduring relevance of traditional leadership in preserving peace and unity.
Describing the forthcoming National Council of Paramount Chiefs Conference 2026 as a landmark event which will be held from the 30th July to the 1st August, the National Secretary General said it would be the first conference of its kind in Sierra Leone’s history. He expressed confidence that the gathering would reshape public understanding of the institution by highlighting the critical role Paramount Chiefs continue to play in governance, security and national development.
He disclosed that the conference has been organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, together with other partners, and will bring together representatives from government ministries, development partners, key stakeholders and distinguished personalities, including His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to deliberate on issues affecting national security, governance and sustainable development.
Speaking on the importance of community participation in development, P.C. Fayia Sundifu emphasised that meaningful national development must begin at the grassroots level. He maintained that communities are more likely to protect and sustain development initiatives when they are actively involved in planning and implementation. Conversely, projects undertaken without community ownership often fail to achieve their intended impact and risk becoming unsustainable.
He concluded by expressing optimism that the conference would strengthen collaboration between traditional authorities, government institutions and development partners, while providing a platform for constructive dialogue on strengthening chieftaincy as an essential institution for peace, security, inclusive governance and sustainable national development.
