Post a comment
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Coordinator, Mr. Frederick Ampiah, and his team met with the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor Esq, at his Gloucester Street office in Freetown to discuss ongoing collaborations, particularly the transition of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) from a force to a service.
Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, briefed the minister on the UNDP’s support for the SLP, highlighting ongoing interventions aimed at modernizing the force.
Congratulating the minister on his appointment, Mr. Ampiah emphasized UNDP’s commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s security sector. He underscored the importance of the police force’s image, stating, “The face of the police is the face of a country.” He reaffirmed UNDP’s dedication to enhancing the SLP’s capacity and broadening areas of cooperation.
Minister Lengor acknowledged UNDP’s long-standing support for Sierra Leone’s security sector and thanked the agency for its contributions, including its role in finalizing the SLP’s Strategic Plan, which is awaiting launch. He stressed the need for better coordination among development partners to avoid duplication of efforts and called for clear entry and exit strategies to prevent long-term dependency.
He also revealed plans to develop the Ministry’s Strategic Plan and requested UNDP’s support, a proposal to which Mr. Ampiah responded positively.
Other UNDP officials reiterated their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s security institutions, including the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, the Sierra Leone Arms and Ammunition Commission, and the National Fire Force. They emphasized that, as a development partner, UNDP will continue working with Sierra Leone in its security and governance reforms.
