By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu -Bo City
The Office of National Security (ONS), with funding support from the Government of Iceland through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has conducted a regional stakeholders’ consultation on electoral risk and threat assessment ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2028 General Elections.
The one-day consultation, held at Event View Point along the Bo-Taiama Highway in Bo City, brought together key stakeholders from the South-Eastern Region, including representatives from the security sector, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), civil society organizations, traditional authorities, and other governance institutions.
The engagement was aimed at identifying potential political hotspots, assessing emerging electoral threats, and developing preventive strategies to reduce the risk of violence while promoting peaceful democratic participation ahead of the 2028 multi-tier elections.
Chief of Staff and Head of the Integrated Security Planning Committee at the ONS, Francis Langoba Kelly, said the initiative forms part of the Office’s mandate to strengthen early warning mechanisms, prevent conflicts, and support peaceful democratic processes.
He explained that the early identification and assessment of electoral risks would enable stakeholders to design practical interventions to address potential threats before they escalate into conflicts.
“By assessing risks at the regional level now, we can put measures in place to prevent violence and ensure a peaceful electoral process in 2028,” Mr. Kelly stated.
He identified political tensions, misinformation, political party activities, and mistrust among stakeholders as some of the key challenges requiring collective attention to safeguard Sierra Leone’s democratic progress.
Meanwhile, Deputy Regional Police Commander South, Madam Fatty Daboh Kamara, reaffirmed the commitment of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to working closely with all stakeholders to maintain peace and security throughout the electoral cycle.
She stressed the importance of collaboration among security institutions, political parties, electoral authorities, traditional leaders, and communities in preventing election-related violence and promoting stability.
Representatives from the 5th Infantry Brigade, ECSL, and PPRC also pledged their continued support towards ensuring a free, fair, peaceful, and credible electoral process.
Participants commended the ONS for adopting a proactive approach to electoral conflict prevention and called for sustained civic and voter education, stronger coordination among democratic institutions, and timely interventions to address emerging threats ahead of the 2028 General Elections.