Hastings, Freetown – 20 June 2025 – The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has officially concluded the training of its sixth Formed Police Unit (SLFPU-6), paving the way for their deployment on a peacekeeping mission in Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia’s successor, AUSSOM.
The three-month intensive training, which focused on weapons handling and tactical operations in line with international standards, ended with a formal closing ceremony at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA) in Hastings.
The final phase of the training was overseen by representatives from the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Support Office in Somalia (UNSOS).
Addressing the contingent, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sahr Yomba Senesi, praised the officers for their discipline and resilience throughout the rigorous programme.
He reminded them of the gravity of the task ahead, urging them to represent Sierra Leone with pride and professionalism as they contribute to Somalia’s ongoing journey toward peace.
“Somalia is still grappling with conflict. While we have moved past our civil war, their struggle continues,” DIG Senesi stated. “This is your moment to give back. Just as the world stood with us during our darkest days, we must now extend that same hand of support.”
He further commended the contingent for their recent performance in managing public order incidents in Sierra Leone, describing it as evidence of their physical and mental preparedness for international deployment.
Assistant Commissioner of Police and Head of Peacekeeping, John Fayia Tumbay, highlighted the selection process, noting that over 800 officers had initially applied for the mission. After months of assessments and training, only 160 were selected, with the rest designated as reserves in case replacements are needed.
“This overwhelming interest is a clear sign of the commitment within the SLP to support international peace efforts,” ACP Tumbay said. “Those selected have demonstrated outstanding potential and discipline.”
Representing the AU and UNSOS, Thomas Kwesi Aggrey-Fynn confirmed that the officers had met the standards required for peacekeeping deployment under the AUSSOM mandate.
“We are confident in the readiness of SLFPU-6. They have shown they understand the mission, the expectations, and the international protocols,” he affirmed.
Chief Superintendent of Police Adama Fefegula, who led the training, provided an overview of the 16 core modules covered during the five-day intensive final phase, ranging from human rights protection to tactical operations and mission-specific engagement rules.
The ceremony concluded with words of appreciation from the SLFPU-6 Contingent Commander, Superintendent Ibrahim M.F. Samura, who thanked all those who contributed to the success of the training.
With preparations complete, SLFPU-6 now joins Sierra Leone’s growing legacy of contributing to global peace and security efforts through international policing missions.
