Freetown, Sierra Leone – The government of Sierra Leone is taking decisive steps to tighten regulations on explosives management, with Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh calling for a more streamlined and structured system.
During a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, Dr. Sengeh highlighted concerns over the fragmented oversight of explosives, emphasizing the need for transparency, security, and efficiency in handling these materials.
Government Push for Centralized Oversight
The meeting, which brought together officials from the Office of National Security (ONS), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the National Minerals Agency (NMA), and other government entities, focused on regulating both civil and military explosives. A key recommendation from the discussions was to place the oversight of explosives under the Ministry of Defence, ensuring a more coordinated approach to procurement, storage, and usage.
ONS Head Avayama Caulker presented a security assessment, warning that the lack of proper regulation posed significant risks. Brigadier General Kemoh Sesay, Chief of Army Staff, echoed these concerns, stressing that imported explosives must meet international safety standards and that stricter measures were necessary to prevent unauthorized access.
Legal and Policy Reforms on the Horizon
Solicitor-General Robert Baoma Kowa reviewed the legal framework governing explosives, advocating for updated policies covering procurement, transportation, storage, and safe disposal. Deputy Director of the National Minerals Agency, Alusine Timbo, also stressed the importance of proper oversight in the mining sector, where explosives are widely used.
Following extensive discussions, Dr. Sengeh and the stakeholders endorsed the recommendation for the Ministry of Defence to take primary responsibility for explosives management. This move is expected to enhance national security, prevent illegal handling, and align Sierra Leone’s policies with international best practices.
With these measures set to be implemented, the government aims to establish a more robust regulatory framework, ensuring greater safety and accountability in the handling of explosives across the country.
