By: Saidu Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID) and the Central Intelligence and Security Agency (CISA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening cooperation in national security, border management, intelligence sharing, and migration management.
The agreement was signed on August 7, 2026, at the Ministry of Internal Affairs Conference Room, 14 Gloucester Street, Freetown, in a ceremony presided over by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor Esq.
In his welcome address, the Chief Immigration Officer of SLID, Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq., described the MOU as a significant milestone in addressing longstanding institutional challenges and improving the Department’s operational effectiveness.
He explained that resource limitations following the separation of the Immigration Department from the Sierra Leone Police in 2002 have affected its capacity to fully execute its mandate, particularly in border security and migration management.
Dr. Baio highlighted the Department’s 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, which provides a roadmap for institutional transformation, with emphasis on modernising border management systems, improving inter-agency collaboration, and strengthening national security.
He noted that SLID is expanding partnerships with key security and identity management institutions to develop a more intelligence-driven approach to border control, information sharing, identity verification, and migration monitoring.
The Director General of CISA, Mr. Ansumana Mohamed Idriss, stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation between the two institutions in addressing emerging security threats.
He described the Immigration Department as a critical first line of defence through its responsibilities in border management, migration control, and identity verification. He emphasized that timely, accurate, and reliable information exchange remains essential for effective intelligence operations and national security coordination.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd. AIG Morie Lengor Esq., commended both institutions for strengthening inter-agency cooperation. He praised the Chief Immigration Officer’s efforts to transform SLID into a more security-focused, disciplined, and service-oriented institution.
Minister Lengor stated that effective intelligence sharing depends on mutual trust, clear operational guidelines, and the responsible management of sensitive information.
He added that the partnership would enhance threat assessment, institutional capacity building, intelligence coordination, and operational cooperation, thereby contributing to stronger national security and more effective border management across Sierra Leone.
The signing of the MOU represents an important step towards institutionalizing collaboration between SLID and CISA, while improving Sierra Leone’s ability to respond to emerging security and migration-related challenges.