Internal Affairs Minister Strengthens Partnership with Inter-Religious Council to Tackle Drug Abuse

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor Esq., has called on the executive of the Inter-Religious Council of Sierra Leone (IRCSL) to strengthen collaboration in promoting peace, security, and national safety, while intensifying efforts in the fight against drug abuse.

The call was made during a courtesy visit by the Minister and his team to the IRCSL, as part of ongoing efforts to foster partnerships that support the Ministry’s mandate on internal security and public safety.

The Minister and delegation were warmly received by members of the Council in a cordial and enthusiastic manner. In his welcome remarks, the Secretary General of the IRCSL, Rev. Jesse Fornah, commended Minister Lengor for being the first Minister of Internal Affairs to engage directly with the Council on matters of peace, security, and safety.

The Vice President of IRCSL, Alhaji Mutada Sesay, highlighted the Council’s core roles in national cohesion, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and the promotion of religious tolerance.

He emphasized that the Council’s mission extends beyond offering prayers, noting that its members also possess expertise in developmental and social initiatives.

He expressed gratitude to the Government for its continued support and assured the Minister of IRCSL’s unwavering commitment to collaborate with the Ministry in advancing peace and development across Sierra Leone.

In his address, Minister Lengor expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with the Council on issues of peace, security, and drug control, particularly the ongoing campaign against kush abuse.

“It is especially important to involve your voices to expand awareness of drug-related concerns and interventions,” Minister Lengor said. “It is sad to note that kush, a silent pandemic, is destroying Sierra Leone’s future. I acknowledge that IRCSL members are key stakeholders in many national development efforts, and I trust that your proactive engagement, education, and interventions will help mitigate the devastating effects of drug abuse in our communities.”

Representing the Executive Director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Director of Drug Prevention, Education, and Training, Mr. Ibrahim Samuel Dugba, commended the Minister for his continued leadership in the fight against drug abuse. He emphasized the significance of engaging the IRCSL in national drug control efforts, describing the collaboration as “vital in saving the lives of young people.”

Mr. Dugba also outlined strategic pillars of the NDLEA’s operational framework, stressing community involvement and a zero-tolerance policy for narcotics as central components of their approach.

The meeting concluded with a proposal to establish a joint committee tasked with developing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and a strategic plan to formalize the partnership between the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Sierra Leone Police, the NDLEA, and the Inter-Religious Council.