Sierra Leone Police Assure Readiness to Manage Security Ahead of Elections Despite Recent Killing of Officer
The Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu, has assured Sierra Leoneans that his department is capable of managing the security of the country ahead of its upcoming elections. Sellu stated that they are working collaboratively with other security sectors under the auspices of the Office of National Security (ONS) and are ready to provide security in both the pre-and post-election periods.
Sellu's affirmation comes just days after the Force's OSD North-East Regional Commander, Mathew Gbanya, was killed in the northern city of Makeni by an unknown assailant. The death of Gbanya has been widely condemned by government, political parties, trade unions, and civil society organizations.
Previously, the President of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla, expressed concern for the safety of journalists who will be covering the elections, given the killing and targeting of police officers. Sellu stated that the killing of ASP Gbanya is a threat not only to the Northern Region but also to regions throughout the country.
Sellu further affirmed that the police are mandated to protect the lives of all citizens regardless of political affiliation. He promised that they are currently investigating the death of ASP Gbanya and would soon bring the culprit to justice.