By: James Kamara-Manneh
“Nobody will make Sierra Leone Ungovernable and we in the security sector have assured citizens that their lives and properties are safe.” This is a statement made by the National Security Coordinator of the Office of National Security Mr Abdulia Caulker to the press on the 16th of June 2023 at the ONS Secretariat in Freetown.
“Whilst we pledge to remain apolitical and professional, we will be emphatic that as a sector, we will not sit by and allow miscreants to subvert either our democracy or the state. We are poised to hunt them and impel them,” Caulker emphasized.
He added that statements, rhetoric, and invectives from politicians and their supporters it is of no concern to them, but as a sector, they will ensure that nobody will rein the peace and democracy of Sierra Leone.
The press conference was geared towards enlightening the state on the preparedness of the security sector for the upcoming elections in terms of professional readiness to deliver security and to bring forth some critical issues that will be facing some sectors during the June 24th election and after, and the unfair condemnation of the security sector.
He called on everyone who feels aggrieved to go through the due process of the law and should refrain from taking the law into their hands to avoid the heavy hand of the security forces.
Caulker further assures citizens that some Saturday 24th June 2023 the election process will be peaceful and nothing will disrupt this as ONS and others have conducted four democratic elections that end with smooth and peaceful transition of power.
In line with the security mandate, he revealed that they have an Integrated Election Security Planning Committee (IESPC) to ensure focused coordination of the efforts of Elections Management Bodies (EMBs), support security sector planning and actions through the development of appropriate strategies, and mobilize requisite funding support for the Security Sector to cover the elections.
The security sector has developed strategic documents dealing with the effective and efficient management of elections- Elections Security Strategy, Elections Communications Strategy and Elections Training Manual, all of which are now being implemented.
“We have also reactivated the National Situation Room (NSR) to support the Security Sector Early Warning and Early Response Mechanism relating to the electoral process and related national security issues. The NSR has a Toll-Free Line of 119 accessible by all mobile networks in the country, and the public can call this number to report any election security-related concerns,” said ONS Coordinator.
He added that security will predominantly be provided by the SLP but will be supported by other auxiliary forces. However, the RSLAF is supporting the SLP under the Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP) policy.
“…Security Sector is adequately prepared to provide security for the upcoming elections. The public should rest assured that the Security Sector will remain professional and impartial in the execution of its duties and every political party will be treated fairly in line with our respective mandates and codes of conduct.”
The Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu reaffirms their support in the electoral process and highlighted areas in which the SLP demonstrated their mandate. He said the SLP will continue to identify the hot spots across the country in which they are prepared to engage and to sufficiently deploy personnel. He also said they are engaging in strategic communication for community outreach programs.
IGP Sellu said they have organized elections management training programs that deal with the prevention of violence and control, investigation of election offences and thorough study of the Electoral Act amongst many others. He revealed that very soon the SLP will commence the deployment of assets to various strategic locations before the elections.
Representing the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Joints Force Command Major General D Alpha said the duties of the RSLAF are constitutionally mandated to protect the territorial integrity of Sierra Leone against external aggression.
He reiterated that the MACP gives the RSLAF the leverage to support and complement the Sierra Leone Police in the discharge of their duties. He said the RSLAF have done a comprehensive trend assessment nationwide and they have identified a series of flash point and deployments have been made in those areas. The Joint Force Commandant said their aim at the end of the day is to protect the country. He told the press that they have been able to conduct elections management training for all military personnel to give a clear cut-guidance before, during and after the electioneering process. “Such training has given us positive feedback for RSLAF to play its role in the electioneering process,” he emphasized.
Maj Gen D Alpha said aside from the conducted training, the RSLAF has been able to establish various command centres both at the regional and district level. He called on all soldiers to keep the rules of engagement as it is very key to them and the professional existence of the RSLAF, and the country’s constitution.
He said they have gone countrywide to admonish the soldiers to remain apolitical and professional and to remain neutral in their discharge of their duty.
