In a diplomatic rendezvous, Her Excellency, Madam Sibel Erkan, the Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, engaged in discussions with Mr. William Fayia Sellu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), regarding Sierra Leone’s potential participation in the Police Coordination and Cooperation Center (PIKM), ahead of the forthcoming Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meetings in Banjul and Yaounde on 5-6 May and 15-17 July 2024, respectively.
Ambassador Sibel Erkan elucidated that her visit aimed to gauge the interest of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in becoming a part of the envisioned PIKM establishment. The center’s primary objective would be to combat terrorism, extremism, organized crime, and bolster the capacities of its member states. Notably, she mentioned that for the center to be operational, 19 OIC member countries must ratify the PIKM regulation.
In response, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, the Inspector General of Police, affirmed the SLP’s eagerness to engage in the establishment of PIKM. He emphasized the readiness of the SLP to collaborate in efforts aimed at combating terrorism, transnational organized crimes, drug trafficking, and money laundering, all within the ambit of PIKM’s mandate.
This exchange marks a significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s potential involvement in regional security initiatives, aligning with broader international efforts to address pressing global security challenges.
The discourse underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to proactive engagement in combating threats to peace and security, signaling a willingness to cooperate on a regional and international level to address multifaceted security concerns.
As discussions progress, Sierra Leone’s stance on PIKM signifies its recognition of the importance of collaborative security frameworks in safeguarding national and regional stability in an increasingly interconnected world.
