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The Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) has hosted the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) on a three-day working visit, along with courtesy calls on key government officials to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Chief Immigration Officer Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq welcomed the delegation. He stated that the LIS delegation’s study tour forms part of SLID’s commitment to strengthening the already strong bilateral relationship between the two presidents.
The high-level visit also featured a guided tour of SLID headquarters, meetings at the Mano River Union Secretariat, the Liberian Embassy, and familiarisation with key government officials.
Therefore, the visit focused on strengthening operational coordination and enhancing information sharing between the two sister institutions, expected to explore practical and sustainable approaches aimed at improving coordinated border management, strengthening institutional partnerships, and enhancing operational effectiveness along shared borderlands.
In his address, LIS Commissioner General (CG) Mr. Elijah Rufus highlighted the need to work more closely together as he and his counterpart have taken the first step to bring the two institutions closer together to establish an MOU to enhance operational coordination and improve information-sharing mechanisms to strengthen border security and a safety net for their people along the border communities.
He argued that achieving this requires effective border management, which necessitates a collective approach. He noted that security threats in one country inevitably impact regional peace, stability, and development across the entire region.
The CG further underlined that stronger cooperation among regional Immigration bodies is essential to tackling emerging migration challenges and preventing transnational crimes. He maintains his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, managing the border professionally, and improving migration governance as pillars for lasting peace and stability.
Additionally, the Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG. Rtd. Morie Lengor Esq, delivering a keynote address, welcomed the delegation on behalf of His Excellency, the President Brig. Rtd. Julius Maada Bio and the people of Sierra Leone.
Minister Lengor Esq. explained that their ultimate vision is to foster a Borderless Africa, making it easy for people to work and live anywhere on the continent to improve their lives. He noted that they have a long-standing relationship with Liberia, where their interests are intertwined, and whatever affects the nation affects them too.
Ending his address, Minister Lengor Esq. committed to deepening the partnership between the two institutions for enhanced security and stability in the MRU and ECOWAS regions.
Finally, marking a pivotal step in bilateral ties, the SLID and LIS signed a landmark MOU, signed by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Chief Immigration Officer, and LIS Commissioner General, to solidify Cooperation to improve regional border management and strengthen collaborative security efforts.
