Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has held a validation workshop on a baseline study of its Family Support Unit (FSU), aimed at strengthening the unit’s capacity to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
The event took place on 23 September 2025 at the Police Wives Association Multi-Purpose Hall in Kingtom, Freetown. Opening the session, Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu described the workshop as a moment for “giving honest opinion,” noting that the findings would help identify the strengths, weaknesses, and threats in the FSU’s work.
He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting women and children, highlighting the FSU’s “long journey” and describing it as a “lucky unit” because of its strong international partnerships.
IG Sellu also linked the exercise to one of President Julius Maada Bio’s key priorities: Human Capital Development. He urged participants to approach the deliberations with openness and seriousness. “Some findings may be uncomfortable,” he admitted, “but they are necessary if we are to make progress.” He then officially declared the workshop open.
Head of the FSU, Detective Superintendent Mohamed Mansaray, described the day as “significant” for both the unit and the country. He said the baseline study, conducted with support from the Rainbow Initiative, was a vital step toward improving the FSU’s operations nationwide. “The FSU faces many challenges in tackling sexual and gender-based violence,” he noted, adding that the findings would guide a more professional and effective response.
Anthony K. Sam, Technical Advisor for the Rainbow Initiative, explained that the workshop was designed not only to validate the study’s findings but also to engage participants in interactive discussions.
He revealed that the study was funded by the European Union’s Spotlight Initiative and praised the IGP’s long-standing dedication to safeguarding women and girls. Sharing a poignant story of a 14-year-old survivor who once asked an FSU officer, “Will they believe what I will say?”, he stressed the importance of building trust and strengthening institutional responses.
The validation exercise marks a major step in the SLP’s effort to enhance the FSU’s capacity through evidence-based strategies. By partnering with the Rainbow Initiative and with funding from the EU Spotlight Initiative, the Sierra Leone Police has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting women and children and combating sexual and gender-based violence nationwide.
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