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The Ministry of Internal Affairs and its oversight agencies on Thursday held a formal engagement and familiarisation meeting with the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs at the Well of Parliament, Tower Hill, Freetown.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Moses Edwin, said the session was in line with Parliament’s constitutional mandate to monitor progress, review activities, and address challenges within the country’s security sector. He described the meeting as an introductory engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation between Parliament and key security institutions.
Hon. Edwin assured the Ministry and its agencies of the Committee’s support in advancing initiatives that enhance internal security and public safety. He emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration and transparency to ensure effective oversight and improved service delivery.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, outlined the Ministry’s supervisory responsibility over nine agencies tasked with maintaining internal security. He explained that his role includes providing policy direction and ensuring coordination among the agencies to safeguard national peace and stability.
The Minister commended the agencies for their inter-agency collaboration, noting that teamwork remains essential in responding to emerging security threats. He also informed the Committee about the development of the Ministry’s first Strategic Plan (2026–2030), which is expected to be launched soon to guide operations in a more transparent and accountable manner.
Senior Permanent Secretary Alfred Lahai highlighted achievements recorded by the Ministry but identified limited budgetary allocations as a major constraint. He appealed to the Committee for support in securing increased funding to address operational gaps.
Heads of agencies, including the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Office of the Medical Examiner, and the Independent Police Complaint Board, also raised concerns about logistical and resource challenges affecting their work. They called on the Committee to use its oversight and advocacy role to help resolve the issues.
The engagement concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, reinforcing Parliament’s oversight role in strengthening internal security governance in Sierra Leone.
