Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has officially welcomed home a contingent of officers who recently completed international peacekeeping assignments in Somalia and South Sudan.
The ceremony, held at the Officer’s Mess in Kingtom, Freetown, marked the return of 158 personnel from the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and 5 Individual Police Officers (IPOs), who served under the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).
The event served both as a formal homecoming and a recognition of the officers’ contributions to global peace and security. It also underscored the SLP’s commitment to professional development and international cooperation.
In his address, Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu congratulated the returning officers for their discipline and performance during their missions. He briefed them on key developments within the SLP during their absence, notably the institution’s ongoing transformation from a “Force” to a “Service.”
“This transition is aimed at fostering a more community-oriented approach to policing,” IGP Sellu stated, citing the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in facilitating this reform. He emphasized that the shift involves not just institutional restructuring but also a cultural change toward improved service delivery and public engagement.
The IGP also highlighted the importance of international partnerships, which continue to open avenues for training and capacity building for SLP personnel. He noted that peacekeeping deployments not only serve international stability but also offer valuable professional exposure for Sierra Leonean officers.
In addressing the returning officers directly, IGP Sellu advised them to use their international experience to strengthen their respective units within the SLP. He cautioned against disengagement post-deployment; a trend he acknowledged has affected some personnel in the past.
“Your experience abroad is an asset. Let it be used to enrich your departments and the institution as a whole,” he said.
Representatives of the returning officers expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and reaffirmed their commitment to the goals and values of the Sierra Leone Police.
The ceremony was attended by senior police officials, family members, and representatives from local and international partners, including the UNDP and diplomatic missions. It marked another milestone in Sierra Leone’s contribution to global peacekeeping and its efforts to modernize domestic policing through experience, exposure, and strategic partnerships.
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