Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Stakeholders in Sorogbema Chiefdom have called for the urgent establishment of a permanent police post and joint security checkpoint in Sulima following a high-level security engagement meeting organised by the Chiefdom Security Committee (CHISEC).
The meeting, held in Sulima, focused on addressing prevailing security challenges and strengthening collaboration between security agencies and the local community.
Welcoming participants, Chief Siaka L. Massaquoi highlighted serious accommodation challenges facing the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in Sulima, describing the situation as a major setback to effective policing. He said the absence of proper facilities undermines the ability of officers to maintain law and order in the rapidly growing coastal town.
Presenting the purpose of the engagement, Acting CHISEC Chairman and Chiefdom Speaker Augustine Jah Zoker described Sulima as a strategic coastal community hosting residents from three nationalities — a situation he said presents unique security concerns. He explained that the meeting was convened to assess the presence and effectiveness of the police and to address emerging security threats.
Chief Zoker raised concerns over increasing theft cases, referencing a recent incident involving the theft of a smartphone and drugs from the Sulima Community Health Post. He also condemned the unlawful arrest of Ghanaian fishermen by local fishermen, warning that such actions could create tension among neighbouring coastal communities. He urged residents to remain law-abiding and to channel grievances through appropriate authorities rather than resorting to self-help.
He stressed the urgent need for a permanent police post and checkpoint to monitor movement and prevent the trafficking of illegal drugs into the community.
The Local Unit Commander of the Mano River Division, Chief Superintendent Mohamed Ben Kamara, disclosed that discussions on establishing a police post in Sulima predate his transfer to the division. He said he had engaged Honourable Sidie Mohamed Tunis for possible support and reiterated the importance of a permanent police presence. He appealed for sustained community cooperation with security agencies.
Other security personnel echoed similar concerns, cautioning community leaders against handling criminal matters that fall under police jurisdiction and advising that such cases be promptly referred to the appropriate authorities.
Naval Commander of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Lieutenant Colonel J.M. Jenkins, described the absence of a permanent police post in Sulima as embarrassing to the security sector. While emphasizing that the RSLAF’s primary mandate is protection against external threats, he underscored that internal security remains the responsibility of the police and called for stronger civil-military relations to promote peace and development.
The Town Chief of Sulima, Siaka Lusieni Massaquoi, commended CHISEC for hosting the engagement in Sulima. He revealed that the community had long allocated land for the construction of a police post but expressed concern over delays in developing the site.
Community stakeholder Keifala Kemokai welcomed the proposed police facilities but cautioned against their misuse for extortion. He stressed that the checkpoint should focus strictly on combating drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
Chiefdom Security Coordinator Mohamed Rogers thanked local leaders and residents for their cooperation and assured them that all concerns raised would be forwarded to the Office of the National Coordinator in Freetown.
Delivering the keynote address, the Head of Customs at the Mano River Border, Mujiru I. I. Kallon, said the CHISEC engagement aimed to strengthen security and promote development in Sorogbema Chiefdom and the wider Pujehun District. He disclosed that joint security operations at the border had resulted in the arrest of 55 suspected drug traffickers since his posting.
Kallon clarified that the proposed checkpoint is intended to curb drug trafficking, not to harass law-abiding citizens. He also expressed concern over the lack of essential infrastructure in Sulima, including community toilets, staff quarters for health workers, and a permanent police post.
He concluded by urging government agencies and community stakeholders to work collaboratively, noting that strong partnerships between communities and security institutions are key to maintaining peace, safety, and development in Sulima.
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