GUMBA, TENJE

Tenje Gumba (c. 1877-1928) was the first paramount chief installed in Lofa County by the Liberian Government and was a symbol of the successful rule of the government in the interior of Liberia.

He ruled an area with a population of half Mendi and half Lorma, called Guma.  He fought against British occupation of this Territory which bordered Sierra Leone during the administration of President Joseph J. Cheeseman, 1892-1896.

The British Government is reported to have taken part of his territory and added it to Sierra Leone when it was a colony of Great Britain.  By this act the British Government shifted the northwestern boundary of Liberia to the Morroh River – Kailahun, then to Tomalu, and finally to the Makona River.

Tenje fought the British to a Standstill near Bumalu.  The war stopped at Gbandiwolo, where the people of Guma declared themselves citizens of Liberia.  Tenje was well-liked.  He died in about 1928.  His descendants still rule Guma as chiefs, and they are renowned for their allegiance to the Liberian government.

GEORGE  K. MASSAQUOI