Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu, has called on the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRC-SL) to play a stronger role in promoting peace, combating drug abuse, and supporting law and order across the country.
Speaking during a high-level meeting facilitated by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd AIG Morie Lengor, IGP Sellu said the partnership between the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and religious institutions is key to tackling the growing challenges of drugs and lawlessness in communities.
The Police Chief highlighted the historic contribution of faith-based leaders during the civil war and peacebuilding era, noting that religious figures have always been central to community stability.
He also recalled the 1999 restructuring of the police under Keith Biddle, which introduced the Local Policing Partnership Board (LPPB) a system that encouraged collaboration between the police and community leaders.
“This meeting is about strengthening existing partnerships, building new ones, and engaging in constant consultation,” IGP Sellu said.
He referenced three key documents guiding police operations the Justice Sector Reform Strategy, the SLP Strategic Development Plan, and the Transition from Force to Service initiative all of which emphasize community engagement and consultation.
According to him, religious leaders can effectively spread security messages through their congregations. “Every time you stand in the pulpit or at the mosque to preach, people listen,” he said.
IGP Sellu added that the SLP’s Strategic Development Plan, launched every four years, prioritizes community partnerships, and a performance tracker is being used to assess how police commanders engage with local communities. He said the ongoing Transition from Force to Service program aims to make the police more community-oriented.
“We are taking policing back to the people, and this means partnership and consultation,” he noted. “The Inter-Religious Council is key in driving this vision forward.”
Internal Affairs Minister Morie Lengor described the Council as “extremely significant stakeholders” who command respect within their communities. He reaffirmed government’s commitment to collaborate with faith leaders to address social challenges, including drug abuse and public disorder.
Vice President of the IRC-SL, Alhaji Mutalah Sesay, welcomed the initiative and pledged the Council’s continued support for national development efforts. He said the IRC-SL remains active in youth empowerment, climate change, national cohesion, and other social development programs.
The meeting ended with all parties committing to work together in promoting peace, security, and lawful behavior across Sierra Leone.
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
