By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Office of the National Security (ONS) has declared an inclusive approach with the Military and Police towards maintaining law and order, a peaceful and enabling environment prior to and after elections.
The declaration was made on Wednesday 19th April 2023 in a press conference at the security sector of ONS amidst members of the press, representatives of various political parties and civil society organizations.
The National Security Coordinator of the Office of the National Security, Abdulai Caulker in his statement noted that, since 2018 when the New Direction Government assumed office, the security sector with dismay had noted countless numbers of anti-state activities, threatening the peace and security of Sierra Leone and to the extent of provoking security sector reactions.
“Whilst the security sector had wished such baits had not been thrown, it would not shy away from its constitutional responsibility of ensuring that citizen’s lives and properties are secured and the country remains stable,” he assured.
Recalling almost all the violent occurrences in the country including the recent killing of a police officer, Caulker said that those instances were against the stability of the state and the security sector and may put the people in needles fear and panic.
He affirmed that the security sector was not jittery and could not be intimidated as it alone had the constitutional right to exercise the monopoly of violence on behalf of the state. He added that they have decided to have an inclusive approach to ensure that the country remains stable, and peaceful with the enabling environment for peaceful and democratic elections.
The Security Sector Coordinator expressed commitment that the sector would not renege from its sacred responsibility but would continue to maintain law and order and ensure that there is peace and tranquillity for everyone. He expressed strong warnings against those threatening the peace and stability of the country, especially those using social media to incite violence.
He admonished Sierra Leoneans to stay away from violence, not to take the law into their own hands but follow due process.
“Don’t allow another man to use your own hand to remove palm kernels from a burning furnace,” he said.
RSLAF Chief of Defense Staff, Lt. Gen. Peter Kakowou Lavahun, affirmed that they would always be ready to support the Sierra Leone Police in the framework of MACP. He said there would be no need for them to be in the street if the people stop causing violence and unpleasant situations. He reinforced that they would not sit by and allow the people to create problems in the country that would affect all of them.
While the Inspector General of Police, Fayia Sellu assured Sierra Leoneans that they are prepared to ensure that the forthcoming elections are conducted peacefully and in a harmonious environment. He intimated that the police had recently embarked on a huge public sensitization campaign with the message of non-violence.
I.G.P Sellu assured that the SLP would continue to trust the partnership with the press and the community in the aspect of bringing critical information into their knowledge. He implored everyone to work and keep Sierra Leone together so that posterity would judge in the right plight.
