On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Her Excellency Josephine Gauld, the British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, visited the Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, at the Police Headquarters on George Street in Freetown. The purpose of the visit was to reinforce diplomatic relations and enhance cooperation between the British High Commission and the Sierra Leone Police.
During their meeting, Commissioner Gauld sought to gain insight into the operations of the Sierra Leone Police and the challenges it faces. Key topics of discussion included the spread of misinformation on social media, drug-related issues, public order management, and election security.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of collaboration across various security sectors.
Inspector General Fayia Sellu emphasized the significance of inter-agency cooperation in addressing these critical challenges.
He expressed concern about how misinformation threatens public order, while praising the effectiveness of coordinated efforts among security agencies to debunk false claims and prevent civil unrest.
On drug-related issues, the IGP noted the Sierra Leone Police’s collaborative efforts with partners to combat drug trafficking. He cited recent successes, including the discovery and destruction of local drug laboratories, which have contributed to a notable reduction in drug-related problems.
Regarding public order management, Fayia Sellu mentioned that the British Peace Support Team, based in Nairobi, Kenya, had recently provided valuable training for Sierra Leone Police personnel on public order tactics. He acknowledged ongoing support from the British government, especially following the restructuring of the Sierra Leone Police, which has helped address training gaps and equip the force to tackle emerging challenges.
The IGP also discussed the organizational structure of the police force, which consists of six administrative regions and thirty-eight local police divisions across the country.
He stressed the importance of community engagement, indicating that Local Unit Commanders (LUCs) are instructed to prioritize daily interactions with communities. This strategy ensures that police personnel remain accountable and effective, despite challenges posed by the officer-to-civilian ratio.
In relation to electoral matters, the IGP explained that a regulatory body oversees political party activities, establishing a timeline for election-related events. The police are tasked with providing security at these events to ensure peaceful elections.
Her Excellency Gauld expressed her appreciation for the Sierra Leone Police’s dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the country. She assured the Inspector General that the British High Commission would continue its support, including specialist training opportunities in the UK.
