In a concerted effort to bolster service delivery within the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the First YUMAJ Consultancy Group, supported by the Government of Sierra Leone, has initiated a six-week intensive training program focused on Public Order Management, Forensic Science, Technology Skills, and Cybersecurity.
This training takes place at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) and aims to elevate the operational capabilities of the SLP.
During the closing ceremony, Inspector General of Police Mr. William Fayia Sellu delivered a keynote address reflecting on the challenges he faced upon assuming leadership of the SLP.
He acknowledged that peace in the country was disrupted by unrest, and he was tasked with collaborating effectively with both police personnel and other security agencies to address these issues.
In the wake of the August 8-10, 2022 insurrection, the Security Sector mobilized to assess institutional shortcomings, identifying major obstacles in logistics and training.
“Prior to the 2023 multi-tier elections, we benefited from the support of the UNDP and international missions, which provided critical training for our forces,” Sellu stated. “Recognizing our shared colonial history with Nigeria, we engaged the professional expertise of the First YUMAJ Consultancy Group, carefully crafting a tailored training package.”
The program unfolded in two phases, with advisors stationed at various key locations, including police headquarters and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
Sellu expressed his satisfaction that this was the first training initiative on the academy’s campus led by a private entity.
He emphasized the crucial importance of human capital development, aligning this initiative with the big five game changers of President Julius Maada Bio’s strategy. The past six weeks were filled with intensive training sessions at multiple locations, highlighting a sector-wide collaborative approach to enhancing police capabilities.
“Through this training, we have seen practical applications of public order management skills, advancements in cybersecurity, and improvements in command-and-control mechanisms,” Sellu remarked. “Command and control have historically posed challenges for us, but we are committed to ensuring that this training translates into actionable outcomes.”
Sellu acknowledged the substantial investment made by the Sierra Leonean government regarding personnel, resources, and time—recognizing the sacrifices made by participants during the demanding six-week program.
He reiterated that the training’s goals extend beyond individual skill enhancement to fostering teamwork and institutional development within the SLP.
The Inspector General urged participants to embrace this opportunity for positive change, noting that the SLP is on a transformative journey away from a traditional police force model to a service-oriented organization. This involves a review of the Police Act of 1964 and ongoing consultations to align with modern policing standards, with validation processes underway to enhance legal frameworks.
Deputy National Security Coordinator Dr. Ahmed A. Sannoh, representing the national security office, commended the First YUMAJ Consultancy Group for their successful execution of the training program. He emphasized the significance of the feedback received from participants, highlighting improvements in tactics and operational readiness across the various units involved.
Acknowledging the essential role of the security sector in fostering a conducive environment for economic development, Dr. Sannoh conveyed his gratitude to both President Bio and Inspector General Sellu for their leadership and commitment.
Alhaji Yusuf Manjalo, CEO of the First YUMAJ Consultancy Group, also addressed attendees, praising the participants for their resilience and dedication to enhancing their skills for the protection of Sierra Leone’s citizens. He outlined that training included critical areas such as operational skills and community-focused approaches, vital for addressing evolving security challenges.
In a show of commitment to ongoing development, the CEO donated three Sony DSC W800 cameras, Scene of Crime management materials, and first aid boxes to the Inspector General, aimed at enhancing future police training endeavors.
The Director of Training, AIG Sahr Y. Senesie, welcomed all attendees and expressed satisfaction at witnessing the closing ceremony, urging participants to apply their newly acquired skills with professionalism.
As the SLP continues to evolve, this training initiative marks a significant step forward in the quest for a more effective and professional law enforcement body in Sierra Leone.
SLP Media Team.
