Freetown, 7 September 2026: The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has joined the international community in commemorating the United Nations International Day of Police Cooperation under the theme, “Protection against Vulnerability – Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing.”
The commemoration provided an important platform for reflection and dialogue on the collective responsibility of the Police, security institutions, communities and other stakeholders to protect vulnerable persons, strengthen public confidence and promote legitimate, accountable and people-centred policing.
The ceremony brought together key stakeholders from the security sector, Government institutions, civil society organisations, the media and young people to discuss the importance of cooperation in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Central to the discussions was the need for policing institutions to recognise and respond effectively to vulnerabilities within society, while building relationships based on trust, fairness, accountability and mutual respect.
In his welcome address, the Inspector General of Police, Mr William Fayia Sellu, underscored the importance of cooperation and partnership in modern policing.
He emphasised that protecting vulnerable persons and communities requires stronger collaboration among security institutions, communities, civil society organisations and international partners.
The Inspector General further noted that public trust and legitimacy are fundamental to effective policing, stressing the need for the Police to continue engaging communities and working closely with the people they serve.
Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor (Esq.), emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts among national institutions and international partners in promoting peace, security and the rule of law.
He highlighted the evolving nature of contemporary security challenges and called for strengthened cooperation, increased public confidence and greater responsiveness to the needs and vulnerabilities of communities. He further stressed that trust and legitimacy are essential pillars of effective and sustainable policing.
Other distinguished speakers included Madam Seraphine Wakana, United Nations Resident Coordinator; Mr Abdulai Cauker, National Security Coordinator; Mr Simeon Bai Sesay, Chairman of the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB), Congo Cross Division; and Mr Sao Lamin, representing Civil Society Organisations.
Their contributions focused on the shared responsibility of State institutions, communities and civil society organisations in protecting vulnerable groups, promoting peace and security, and strengthening accountability and mutual understanding.
The speakers emphasised that meaningful cooperation between the Police and the public remains critical to building confidence, enhancing accountability and ensuring legitimate and effective policing.
A special presentation was delivered by CSP Brima Q. Sesay, Acting Director of Corporate Affairs, who highlighted key achievements and challenges of the Sierra Leone Police.
The presentation reflected on the progress made by the institution in fulfilling its mandate, while also drawing attention to some of the challenges confronting the Police. It underscored the importance of continuous capacity building, institutional support, adequate resources and stronger partnerships to enhance the SLP’s ability to effectively protect communities, particularly vulnerable groups, and strengthen public confidence and institutional legitimacy.
The commemoration culminated in an interactive dialogue involving representatives of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), civil society organisations, Kids Parliament and the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
The discussion centred on the protection of vulnerable members of society and the importance of building trust and legitimacy in policing. Participants shared perspectives on how security institutions, the media, civil society organisations and communities can work together to promote transparency, accountability, mutual respect and greater public confidence in the Police.
The commemoration provided an important opportunity for dialogue and reflection on the role of police cooperation in responding to the needs and vulnerabilities of communities.
It reaffirmed the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with security sector actors, Government institutions, civil society organisations, the media, young people and communities in building a more professional, accountable, trusted and people-centred Police Service.
SLP Media Team
