By: Saidu Jalloh
The African Union (AU) Assessment Team visited the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, as part of their mission to evaluate the operational capabilities of the Sixth Formed Police Unit (FPU-6) personnel. The team’s visit comes after three months of intensive training in preparation for their deployment to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
During the meeting, Team Leader ACP Emmanuel Lithakong Ntpaba outlined the assessment process, underscoring the importance of evaluating both individual and unit readiness. He praised the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for their ongoing support of the mission and highlighted a significant increase in the percentage of women being deployed.
“The assessment process consists of two phases. The first phase will evaluate individual qualifications, including language proficiency through one-on-one interviews, driving skills for designated drivers, and shooting tests for all personnel. We will also conduct age assessments to ensure compliance with requirements and a thorough medical review as stipulated in the FPU Standard Operating Procedures (SOP),” ACP Ntpaba explained.
The second phase will focus on the unit’s operational capabilities and readiness to serve effectively in the mission theater.
AIG Lillian Okembo expressed gratitude to IGP Sellu for his strategic leadership and acknowledged the significant contributions of ATMIS Police Commissioner AIG Hailary Sao Kanu. She noted Sierra Leone’s remarkable achievement in providing two consecutive ATMIS police commissioners known for their excellence.
In response, IGP William Fayia Sellu warmly welcomed the AU team to Sierra Leone, emphasizing the historic significance of the AU’s recognition of the country’s role in peacekeeping efforts. He reflected on the deployment of over 17,500 peacekeepers during Sierra Leone’s civil war, reiterating that participation in peacekeeping missions honors the sacrifices made by those peacekeepers and reaffirms Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting peace.
IGP Sellu further mentioned that the experiences gained by the FPU personnel during previous deployments have significantly enhanced their skills, equipping them to address domestic security challenges effectively.
