In a significant step towards restoring peace in Somalia, the African Union (AU) has given the green light for the deployment of Sierra Leonean peacekeepers in the country.
This approval falls under the auspices of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), a transitional mission initiated on April 1, 2022.
Comprising civilian, military, and police components, the mission’s officers undergo a rigorous selection process overseen by the African Union Selection Assistance and Assessment Team (SAAT) before deployment.
Sierra Leone Police Officers have been actively participating in the mission, with several officers deployed as Individual Police Officers (IPOs) and Formed Police Unit (FPU) members after successfully passing the selection process.
As the fifth contingent of Sierra Leone FPU continues their deployment, a team of five SAAT members has been dispatched by the AU to assess and select a new group of Sierra Leone Police Officers to serve as IPOs in Somalia.
The assessment team arrived in Freetown on April 22, 2024, and immediately commenced the selection process after meeting with Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, at the Police Headquarters on George Street.
During the meeting, Mr. Sellu presented 222 officers for assessment and extended a warm welcome to the visiting team, culminating in the presentation of traditional attire reflecting Sierra Leone’s national colors.
Explaining the purpose of their visit, the team lead, ACP Lithakong Emmanuel Ntpaba, outlined the various assessment criteria, including language competency, interviews, driving proficiency, firearms handling, and shooting skills.
The assessment, conducted at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) campus in Hastings, lasted four days from April 23 to 26, 2024.
Upon conclusion, a total of 81 officers were certified as meeting the AU’s deployment standards, marking another milestone in Sierra Leone’s contribution to peacekeeping efforts in Somalia.
