By: Marian Magdalene Bangura
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq., has officially launched a robust enforcement campaign aimed at addressing lawlessness, poor sanitation, and public safety violations, beginning with operations in Freetown’s Central Business District (CBD).
In response to growing public frustration, the Minister acknowledged the concerns of citizens and expressed gratitude for their support, reaffirming the government’s commitment to delivering lasting change and restoring order in urban spaces.
A special task force, headed by Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sahr Y. Senesi, has commenced field operations. The task force includes personnel from the Sierra Leone Police, Freetown City Council, Sierra Leone Roads Authority (SLRA), Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), and other key agencies.
Their immediate focus is on the CBD, where challenges such as street crime, commercial motorbike accidents, illegal street trading, and traffic obstruction have intensified in recent months, creating serious safety risks for residents and businesses.
The Minister confirmed that operations will soon extend to 23 additional streets, as identified in a list submitted by the Freetown City Council. He made it clear that owning a business license does not grant the right to block footpaths, erect illegal structures, or encroach upon public roads.
Minister Lengor also addressed a range of pressing issues, including illegal dumping of waste, roadside construction without permits, reckless driving by commercial transport operators and noise pollution from nightclubs operating in residential areas
“These practices are not just public nuisances,” the Minister said, “they are serious threats that contribute to urban flooding, road accidents, and social instability.”
He urged all Sierra Leoneans to embrace discipline at home with the same seriousness they demonstrate when abroad. The Minister emphasized the need for a national mindset shift calling on citizens to take personal responsibility for their surroundings and to actively support the government’s efforts to enforce law and order.
To enhance public safety response, the police emergency hotline (900) is now fully operational across all mobile networks, enabling citizens to report disturbances such as loud music, disorderly behavior, and public threats.
In closing, the Minister delivered a firm message restoring order and dignity to our public spaces is not just a government task it’s a shared responsibility. With continued cooperation from citizens, these reforms will pave the way for cleaner, safer, and more disciplined communities across Sierra Leone.
This campaign represents the start of a long-term strategic initiative to transform urban governance and community standards, beginning in the capital and expanding nationwide.