By Sento KARGBO
Masemira, Mayolla, Thatha Chiefdom, Tonkolili District — 29th December, 2025
The revered Bondo Society in Masemira has intensified efforts to locate Mohamed Alie Kamara, whom traditional authorities accuse of committing a grave violation of sacred customs during a recent incident involving a consecrated Bondo shrine.
According to elders of the society, the quest to capture Kamara is not an act of vengeance but a necessary step toward restoring spiritual balance and upholding centuries-old traditions that underpin social order in the chiefdom. To support the effort, the society has announced a reward consisting of a substantial cash sum and a parcel of land for anyone who assists in locating and presenting him to the appropriate customary authorities.
The case stems from events following the death of Kamara’s mother on 28th February 2025. She was reportedly a highly respected senior figure within the Bondo Society, whose passing traditionally requires specific rites, including succession procedures involving her eldest daughter.
Elders say these rituals are essential to ensure continuity, peace, and spiritual harmony within the community.
However, Kamara allegedly led an unauthorised intervention at the Bondo shrine, forcibly removing his sister, Fatima Festus Conteh, and causing damage to sacred property.
Traditional leaders describe this act—particularly the entry of a man into a consecrated female shrine—as a serious desecration and a breach of customary law that cannot be ignored.
“The Bondo Society has rules that have guided our people for generations,” a senior elder, Yan Degba said. “When these rules are broken, the community suffers. We are seeking accountability through tradition so that peace and balance can be restored.” She emphasized.
Community leaders stress that the ongoing search for Kamara is rooted in customary justice, not personal animosity, and insist that all actions are being guided by long-established norms. They also deny claims of indiscriminate intimidation, stating that the society’s objective is solely to locate Kamara and subject the matter to traditional resolution mechanisms.
As discussions continue, many residents remain cautious, mindful of the sensitive balance between customary authority and contemporary legal frameworks. Traditional leaders have called on all parties to respect cultural institutions while urging Kamara to present himself.
For now, Masemira remains watchful, with elders reiterating their belief that lasting peace can only be achieved when sacred customs are respected and disputes addressed through established cultural channels.
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