Freetown, Sierra Leone– The Parliament of Sierra Leone has approved the appointment of Dr. Michael Ambrose Sovula, former Inspector General of Police (IGP), as Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition (SLeCAA).
President Julius Maada Bio nominated Sovula for the position, which was vetted by the Parliamentary Appointment Committee and formally ratified by lawmakers. The approval, which took place in early June 2026, marks Sovula’s return to active national service after leaving the police leadership in 2022.
Extensive Security Background
Sovula brings nearly four decades of policing experience to the role. He joined the Sierra Leone Police in 1980 and rose through the ranks, serving in various command positions including:
– Local Unit Commander at Adonkia and Goderich Police Stations
– Regional Commander for the Southern Region
– Assistant Inspector General for the Western Region
– Director of Crimes
In March 2020, President Bio appointed him as Inspector General of Police, succeeding Dr. Richard Moigbe. He held the position until July 2022, when he was replaced by the current IGP, William Fayia Sellu. During his tenure, Sovula was known for a firm leadership style, road safety initiatives, and efforts to maintain public order. He also previously served for 11 years as Chief Security Officer to former President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
Critical Role at SLeCAA
The Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition (SLeCAA), governed by the 2023 Act, serves as the primary national body responsible for regulating arms, ammunition, and related materials. Its Advisory Committee acts as the governing body, providing strategic oversight, policy advice, and monitoring of the Commission’s operations.
Key responsibilities include:
– Combating the illicit proliferation and circulation of small arms and light weapons
– Regulating manufacture, trade, possession, and use of arms
– Fulfilling Sierra Leone’s obligations under regional (ECOWAS) and international arms control agreements
– Public sensitization on the dangers of illegal arms
This appointment is particularly significant for a country still recovering from the effects of its 1991–2002 civil war, during which small arms proliferation played a devastating role. Effective arms control remains a priority for national security, peacebuilding, and regional stability.
Presenting the nominee, Deputy Majority Leader Hon. Bashiru Silikie told Parliament that Sovula and the other approved nominees fully met the required academic and professional criteria set by the President.
Lawmakers from both sides of the House urged the new Chairman to serve with dedication and integrity. Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Sengepoh Solomon Thomas encouraged Sovula and fellow appointees to contribute meaningfully to the development of “Mama Salone,” stressing that the country needs strong leadership to overcome its challenges.
Sovula’s re-entry into public service is viewed by many as a strategic move to leverage his extensive security expertise in strengthening arms control mechanisms in Sierra Leone.
