UNDSS Delegation Assesses Police Election Security Readiness in Kenema

The Eastern Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Joe Kamanda Bongay, has received a delegation from the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the international community and the Sierra Leone Police.

The delegation, led by Ms. Lihong Shen, Security Advisor and UNDSS Representative for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, met the police commander at his office in Kenema on Wednesday.

Ms. Shen said the mission of the team was to assess the level of cooperation between the security sector and United Nations personnel operating in the region. She expressed satisfaction with the existing cordial and professional working relationship.

She further noted that the visit also sought to evaluate and support the preparedness of the Sierra Leone Police ahead of the forthcoming national elections, stressing the importance of maintaining a secure and peaceful electoral environment.

In response, ACP Joe Kamanda Bongay welcomed the delegation and reaffirmed the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police in the Eastern Region to continued partnership with the UNDSS and other stakeholders in promoting peace and security.

He assured the team that the Eastern Region is adequately prepared to fulfil its constitutional mandate in maintaining law and order during the electoral period.

ACP Bongay also noted that the Executive Management Board of the Sierra Leone Police, under the leadership of Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu, has implemented extensive capacity-building programmes to enhance professionalism and readiness among officers ahead of the elections.

The engagement concluded with both parties expressing commitment to strengthening cooperation in support of peace, public safety, and democratic governance in Sierra Leone.