In a heartfelt letter addressed to the Inspector General of Police at the Sierra Leone Police Headquarters, Assistant Commissioner of Police Mira Yainkain Dumbuya tendered her resignation after 17 years and 8 months of dedicated service to the force.
The resignation, effective immediately, was prompted by what she described as “unexplainable injustices” that she has endured over time.
Dumbuya’s resignation letter detailed her extensive contributions to the Sierra Leone Police, highlighting her role in modernizing the Central Police Division’s administrative processes and infrastructure, as well as her leadership in various capacities, including as Head of the Family Support Unit (FSU) and as Local Unit Commander of the Eastend Police Division during the 2018 elections.
“I am proud to reflect on the many proud moments I gave to the SLP,” Dumbuya wrote, “but unfavorable circumstances that have caused me many sleepless nights and brought immense discomfort to my family has resulted in my decision to leave a career I hold dearly.”
One of the central issues leading to her resignation, Dumbuya outlined, was the obstruction of her extension request by the Sierra Leone Police, despite her fulfilling financial obligations.
She expressed frustration over being asked to pay a peacekeeping contribution of $16,500 and facing threats of punishment upon her return.
“Even after payment of the full amount, my extension request was not approved, and the UN did not even receive a response from the SLP,” she stated.
Dumbuya also highlighted gender discrimination within the force, citing her efforts to advocate for the promotion of qualified women officers, which she claimed were ignored and even met with accusations of dictating terms from the United States.
“I rather resign now,” she wrote, “than return to the SLP and experience a worse situation like being ‘punished’ for a crime I know nothing of.”
In conclusion, Dumbuya expressed gratitude for her time in the Sierra Leone Police and wished the force well in its future endeavors.
However, she lamented the apparent lack of support for hardworking women like herself and questioned the need for officers of her caliber within the organization.
The resignation of Assistant Commissioner Mira Yainkain Dumbuya marks a significant loss for the Sierra Leone Police and underscores the challenges faced by dedicated officers striving for fairness and equality within the force.
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