On Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, a delegation of GIZ Technical Advisors convened at the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) Headquarters in Freetown to engage in discussions with Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu. The purpose of this visit was to explore ways in which the GIZ could provide support to the SLP in various projects.

The delegation included Madam Subetta Chansa, a GIZ Technical Advisor from Nigeria, and Mr. Pansawu Nyassie, an Embedded Technical Advisor (ECOWAS) from GIZ Abuja. They were accompanied by Madam Ilemobola Adomoh-Adecelin, a UNDP Gender and Inclusion Specialist. She explained that UNDP partners with GIZ to support the security sector based on its existing structure and needs. This collaboration aims to identify areas where assistance can be provided to the SLP in line with its mandate.

In his welcome address, IGP Sellu provided an overview of the SLP's structure and emphasized the importance of community engagement in the fight against crime. He highlighted the SLP's internal control mechanisms, such as the Complaint Discipline and Internal Investigations Department (CDIID), which is responsible for holding police officers accountable for their actions. He also mentioned other oversight bodies, including the Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB), the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Human Rights Commission.

The meeting concluded with plans for further engagement on February 28th, 2024, to conduct a needs assessment of the SLP. This visit underscores the commitment of the SLP to strengthen its operations and partnerships with international organizations like GIZ and UNDP to enhance its effectiveness in maintaining law and order in Sierra Leone.