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On Saturday, June 10th, 2023, Mrs. Matilda Doris Sellu, the President of the Sierra Leone Police Wives Association and wife of the Inspector General of Police, collaborated with the Family Support Unit (FSU) to conduct an election sensitization campaign focused on non-violence in Freetown.
The main objective of Mrs. Sellu’s initia hitive was to address the recurring incidents of violence in the country, where police personnel and their families often fall victim to the aggression of angry youths. This effort particularly emphasized the events of the August 10th insurrection in Freetown and other parts of the country.
Additionally, as Sierra Leone prepares for the upcoming elections on June 24th, 2023, political violence and other related anti-social behaviors have become increasingly prevalent. The widespread use of hate speeches and inflammatory messages on social media poses a significant threat, with the potential to cause havoc within our communities.
Considering these challenges, Mrs. Matilda Doris Sellu, alongside a selected group of executive members from the Sierra Leone Police Wives Association, embarked on a nationwide campaign to promote non-violence during the elections. This initiative aimed to foster peaceful coexistence and enhance political tolerance in various communities before, during, and after the multi-tier elections.
The non-violence elections campaign commenced at Upgun Roundabout, where participants included members of the Police Wives Association, representatives from civil society, the Family Support Unit, military personnel, police officers, correctional officers, and members of the National Fire Force, among others.
Before the start of the procession, Mrs. Sellu and the Head of the Family Support Unit provided an overview of the initiative. The Police Regimental Band then led the procession, which proceeded through Kissy Road, East End Police, Abacha Street, Wilberforce, and Lightfoot Boston Street, ultimately reaching the Police Headquarters.
During the event, Mrs. Sellu expressed her gratitude to all participants for their dedicated efforts in ensuring the success of the campaign. ACP Fatmata Daboh emphasized the importance of collaborating with the President of the Police Wives Association to raise awareness about non-violence during elections, specifically addressing the involvement of underage children in political violence, which often leads to chaos in society.
Representatives from the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Correction Officers, and the Fire Force also made valuable contributions to the event.
The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Augustine Magnus Kaillie, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG), who represented the Inspector General of Police.
He expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved and acknowledged that violence always hampers a nation’s development. He emphasized the need to condemn all forms of violence and encouraged parents to guide their children to abide by the law before, during, and after the general elections.
