By Emma Black
In a vibrant and heartfelt ceremony held at the Officer’s Mess in Kingtom, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on Tuesday, 29th July 2025, formally welcomed back 163 of its personnel who recently completed international peacekeeping assignments. The returning contingent includes 158 officers from the Formed Police Unit (FPU) and 5 Individual Police Officers (IPOs), who served under the auspices of the African Union (AU) in Somalia and the United Nations (UN) in South Sudan.
The homecoming event, attended by senior police leadership, family members, and invited dignitaries, served both as a moment of celebration and reflection. It recognized the officers’ outstanding service, discipline, and sacrifice in promoting international peace and security, while also marking their reintegration into the domestic policing framework.
Delivering the keynote address, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. William Fayia Sellu, warmly welcomed the officers and commended them for their dedication and professionalism throughout their deployment.
You have represented Sierra Leone with honor and upheld the values of the Sierra Leone Police on foreign soil,” the IGP stated. Your courage and commitment in challenging environments have not only contributed to global peace efforts but have also brought pride to our nation.”
Mr. Sellu also used the occasion to brief the returnees on recent institutional developments within the SLP, most notably the ongoing transformation from a traditional police force into a modern service. He emphasized that this shift is part of a broader strategy aimed at adopting a more people-centered, community-oriented approach to policing.
This transition is more than just a change in terminology, he explained. “It involves a fundamental reorientation of our culture, systems, and service delivery model, placing citizens and communities at the heart of our operations.”
He acknowledged the support of key international partners in this transformation, particularly the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which continues to play a leading role in providing technical assistance, training, and logistical support to the SLP.
In addition, the IGP underscored the importance of strategic partnerships with foreign embassies and international organizations. He revealed that such collaborations are opening new avenues for both local and overseas training opportunities for SLP personnel, as part of a comprehensive professional development agenda.
Reflecting on the value of peacekeeping missions, the IGP noted that such deployments are not only contributions to global security but also invaluable learning experiences for officers. “Peacekeeping enriches our human capital,” he stated. “It builds capacity, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and sharpens professional competencies that ultimately benefit our policing services at home.”
Addressing a recurring concern within the institution, Mr. Sellu urged the returning officers to remain actively engaged and committed to the SLP upon resuming duty. He cautioned against complacency or disconnection following peacekeeping missions and stressed the importance of reintegration.
Let your international experience be a foundation for leadership, innovation, and mentorship within your departments,” he encouraged. “Your contribution is more critical now than ever before as we continue to strengthen our institution.”
In a moving segment of the program, several returning officers expressed gratitude to the SLP leadership for the opportunity to serve abroad and pledged their unwavering dedication to the mission and values of the Sierra Leone Police. They also shared brief reflections on their experiences during deployment, highlighting the challenges faced and lessons learned in conflict and post-conflict zones.
The ceremony concluded with a call for unity and professionalism, as the SLP continues its path toward transformation and service excellence.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday,1st August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
