By Joseph Momoh, Reporter D.S
On March 4, 2025, Her Excellency Josephine Gauld, the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, visited Inspector General of Police Mr. William Fayia Sellu at the Police Headquarters on George Street, Freetown. The meeting aimed to strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance collaboration between the British High Commission and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP).
During their discussions, High Commissioner Gauld sought to understand the operations of the SLP and its current challenges. Topics included the spread of misinformation on social media, drug-related issues, public order management, and election security. The importance of collaboration among various security sectors was also emphasized.
Inspector General Sellu highlighted the need for inter-agency cooperation to tackle these pressing issues. He expressed concern about how misinformation threatens public order and praised the coordinated efforts of security agencies in addressing civil unrest.
Regarding drug-related problems, the IGP noted the SLP’s collaborative initiatives to combat drug trafficking, including the successful discovery and destruction of local drug laboratories.
On public order management, Sellu mentioned recent training provided by the British Peace Support Team in Nairobi, Kenya, which focused on public order tactics. He acknowledged the British government’s ongoing support, especially following the restructuring of the SLP to address training gaps.
The IGP also discussed the SLP’s organizational structure, consisting of six administrative regions and thirty-eight local police divisions. He stressed the importance of community engagement, instructing Local Unit Commanders to prioritize daily interactions with the public to enhance accountability and effectiveness.
In terms of electoral matters, he explained that a regulatory body oversees political party activities and sets timelines for election-related events, with the police responsible for ensuring security at these gatherings.
High Commissioner Gauld thanked the Sierra Leone Police for their commitment to maintaining peace and stability and assured continued support from the British High Commission, including specialized training opportunities in the UK.
The meeting concluded with a group photo, symbolizing the strengthened ties between the British High Commission and the Sierra Leone Police.
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