By: Saidu Jalloh
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has marked International Police Cooperation Day for the first time, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening international collaboration in the fight against transnational crime, protecting vulnerable people, and promoting security, justice and public trust in policing.
Speaking at the commemoration ceremony, Inspector General of Police William Fayai Sellu said the SLP had joined the rest of the world in recognizing the importance of international police cooperation, noting that 2026 marks the first time the force is formally commemorating the day.
He explained that international police cooperation was established to promote global security, peace and justice, while recognizing the indispensable role of law enforcement agencies in safeguarding global security, justice and human rights.
“This day is of historic importance because it marks the founding of the International Criminal Police Commission in 1923 and tells us that policing has been recognized as an important part of the global response to crime,” Mr. Sellu said.
He noted that the United Nations General Assembly had passed a resolution recognizing International Police Cooperation Day, adding that this year’s theme, “Protecting against Vulnerability, Building Trust and Legitimacy in Policing,” focuses on addressing human trafficking and transnational crime while strengthening public trust in law enforcement.
The IGP reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to building trust through national, regional and international partnerships, while advancing modern policing approaches to respond effectively to emerging security challenges.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor described the occasion as an important milestone for the Sierra Leone Police, noting that it was the first time the country was celebrating International Police Cooperation Day.
He said the commemoration demonstrates the understanding among police forces around the world that crime knows no borders and requires cooperation among law enforcement agencies.
Minister Lengor recalled that the United Nations had earlier invited Sierra Leone to participate in a security meeting focused on this year’s theme, stressing that the Sierra Leone Police would continue working towards achieving effective, trusted and legitimate policing.
He called for stronger cooperation among police forces across the world and within the sub-region, noting that Sierra Leone continues to work with policing partners both regionally and internationally.
The Minister also stressed that police officers should be able to perform their duties without fear or favor, while urging law enforcement agencies to give special attention to vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
Also speaking, UN Resident Coordinator Sarafin Wakana commended the leadership of the Sierra Leone Police for commemorating what she described as a historic and important day.
She said the occasion reflected a shared commitment to promoting security and justice, describing policing as a complex but essential component of the global security system.
Ms. Wakana said the United Nations had been working with security institutions to strengthen their capacity to combat crime and protect communities, noting that the UN Secretary-General had emphasized the importance of international police cooperation in preventing crime and protecting people.
She stressed that everyone deserves protection under the law, particularly from law enforcement institutions, and called for the prosecution of human traffickers and perpetrators of violence.
Ms. Wakana further urged security agencies to strengthen cooperation in tackling complex security challenges, stressing that security remains essential to the protection and wellbeing of communities.