AYV News, July 23, 2025
A delegation of Paramount Chiefs from the Southern Region, paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr William Fayia Sellu, at the Senior Officers’ Mess in Kingtom. The engagement aimed to foster closer collaboration between traditional authorities and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in addressing security challenges within their chiefdoms.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Paramount Chief FayiaS.B. Sovula of Kamajei chiefdom, Moyamba district, commended the SLP for its continued efforts in maintaining law and order, as well as safeguarding lives and property nationwide.
Echoing the sentiment, Paramount Chief Alex MaadaKaipumu of Bum chiefdom in Bonthe district urged the IGP to ensure adequate deployment of police personnel in rural chiefdoms, stressing the growing need for improved security presence in remote communities.
Paramount Chief Alfred S. Gbandoma of Bumpe-Ngaochiefdom proposed the establishment of a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the SLP and the Council of Paramount Chiefs. He emphasised that such a framework would enhance coordination and accountability in community policing efforts.
In his response, IGP Sellu welcomed the chiefs and reaffirmed his commitment to working with regional and local commanders to bolster security, especially in protecting traditional leaders and their communities. He acknowledged that while structures for engagement already exist, they have not been fully effective.
The IGP cited current personnel constraints, particularly the redeployment of officers to secure critical installations in Freetown, as a major challenge. He explained that the national security demand has necessitated the withdrawal of officers from provincial posts to strengthen strategic readiness in the capital.
To address the concerns raised, IGP Sellu instructed the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr Sahr Yomba Senessi, to engage regional and local commanders in enhancing their relationship with Paramount Chiefs and improving collaboration at the grassroots level.
He further assured the delegation that their recommendations would be discussed at the upcoming Executive Management Board (EMB) meeting, where strategic decisions would be taken to resolve some of the issues raised.
In her closing remarks, Paramount Chief Madam Mariama Jaward Tamia of Niawa chiefdom expressed appreciation for the warm reception and called for quarterly meetings between the SLP and all Paramount Chiefs nationwide to deepen cooperation and reinforce joint community security initiatives.
