The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) is facing backlash over the prolonged detention of former peacekeeping officers who served on a United Nations mission in Somalia.
Assistant Commissioner Brima Kamara, SLP spokesperson, confirmed on Radio Democracy 98.1 FM that the officers have been held for eleven months at the SLP Headquarters Car Park and Leicester Peak. However, the exact reasons for their detention remain undisclosed
Sources allege that the over 160 officers, who returned to Sierra Leone in October 2023 after 18 months with Formed Police Unit 4 (FPU 4), were placed in solitary confinement after questioning the misappropriation of their allowances by senior police officials.
Reports highlight the officers’ dire living conditions, including being forced to sleep on the ground without access to proper water and sanitation.
According to reports, many detainees are suffering from severe health issues due to these inhumane conditions.
This situation has sparked outrage as it underscores a severe violation of justice and human rights.
Calls are growing for accountability and answers regarding the treatment of these officers who risked their lives for international peacekeeping.
