I don't think the leather covering is a repair. A lot of knives and swords from Cameroon have these. Look at the close-ups I made.
First view is the front of the handle. Notice the iron banding on the handle.
Second pic shows the back. The seam of the leather appears to be open. I think at one time the leather shrunk.
The pommel of the handle was once also totally covered with leather, but this has worn off, showing the metal 'skeleton' under the leather. In between, the space is filled with some 'soft stuff'. Can't make out what it is.
To complete the picture, a side view :
