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The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. Morie Lengor, Esq., has engaged the Serbian Consul to Sierra Leone, Dr. Adonis Abboud, to explore opportunities for technical support and capacity building for the Office of the Sierra Leone’s Chief Medical Examiner.
The meeting, held at his Wilkinson Road Office was attended by the Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Simion Owizz Koroma, and focused on strengthening forensic and medical examination services in Sierra Leone.
Minister Lengor explained that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has a critical mandate to conduct post-mortem examinations, determine the causes of unexplained and police-reported deaths, and provide essential information to health authorities during potential public health emergencies. He noted that the office requires additional support to develop its forensic capabilities, particularly in forensic science and questioned-document examination.
The Minister therefore appealed for technical assistance, specialised training and knowledge-sharing, while highlighting Serbia’s experience in combating drug-related crimes. He expressed the Ministry’s interest in strengthening cooperation with Serbia in areas that could enhance the capacity of Sierra Leone’s security and forensic institutions.
Minister Lengor assured the meeting that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would provide the necessary policy guidance and coordinate relevant government support to ensure that the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner effectively fulfils its statutory mandate.
The Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Simion Owizz Koroma, said the establishment of Sierra Leone’s first comprehensive forensic laboratory would significantly strengthen forensic investigations and contribute to the effective administration of justice.
Dr. Koroma disclosed that the Office works closely with the Sierra Leone Police, conducts post-mortem examinations and provides forensic evidence for court proceedings across the country. He further explained that the Government has already provided a site for the proposed forensic laboratory and that plans and architectural drawings for the facility have been prepared. He expressed optimism that increased government support and international partnerships would accelerate the development of Sierra Leone’s forensic capacity.
For his part, the Serbian Consul to Sierra Leone, Dr. Adonis Abboud, observed that strengthening Sierra Leone’s healthcare system requires more than improved hospital infrastructure, stressing the importance of qualified specialists, technical expertise and adequately trained medical personnel.
Dr. Abboud requested for a concept note on the proposed forensic facility for presentation to relevant authorities in Serbia, where opportunities for technical cooperation and support could be explored during upcoming engagements involving Sierra Leonean officials.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to schedule a follow-up engagement to further discuss the proposed areas of cooperation and identify practical steps towards strengthening forensic and medical examination services in Sierra Leone.
