Sierra Leone first lady faces scrutiny over subsidised London housing
Sierra Leone’s first lady is facing criticism after defending her continued tenancy of a subsidised London council flat while living in the country’s presidential residence.
Fatima Jabbe-Bio, wife of President Julius Maada Bio, said she had “not committed any crime” by keeping the two-bedroom flat in Southwark, south London.
“I’m paying for my council house myself,” she told the BBC, adding that her children are British citizens.
The controversy has drawn attention because council housing in Britain is intended for people who cannot afford rising private rents. In Southwark alone, more than 18,000 people are currently waiting for social housing, with some facing waits of more than five years.
Jabbe-Bio and her husband have lived in Sierra Leone’s presidential lodge since he won office in 2018. The residence, located in the capital Freetown, includes amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis courts and a helipad.
Southwark council rules state tenants must use council properties as their “only or principal home”. Tenants are also required to notify authorities if they are away for more than 42 consecutive days.
The local authority declined to comment directly on Jabbe-Bio’s case but said investigations are carried out if there are concerns that tenancy conditions are being breached.
Born in Sierra Leone, Jabbe-Bio moved to Britain as a teenager after fleeing an arranged marriage.
She later worked as an actress and model and reportedly moved into the Southwark property in 2007.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
