On Thursday the 8th of August 2024, the Office of National Security Sierra Leone, implemented with the technical and financial support of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) & the GIZ/EPSAO Project, co-financed by the European Union, an Official Launch Ceremony for the National Security Policy & Strategy.
In attendance was His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the President of Sierra Leone, The Vice President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, The National Security Advisor of Sierra Leone, the Head of the European Union Delegation, The German Ambassador to Sierra Leone, The British High Commissioner, Ambassador of the United States of America to Sierra Leone, the United Nations Development Programme Resident Coordinator, The Office of National Security, Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Corp, Registered Political Parties, Security Institutions including (Sierra Leone Police, Armed Forces, Intelligence, Sierra Leone Fire Forces & Sierra Leone Immigration Services, The Chief Minister and Ministers of Government, The Speaker of Parliament, Judiciary, Development Partners, Civil Society Organisations (including women, youth, and persons with disabilities), Traditional leaders and GIZ EPSAO Project Staff.
In his remarks, the Chairman Dr. Joseph B.A. Kandeh’s commended the government including the security sector and other partners for their tireless work in putting the Strategy together. Dr. Kandeh echoed that, the leadership of the security sector has shown and completed an excellent job in widening their strategic efforts in assessing the internal and external security threats, defence and intelligence to usher in peace for a prosperous Sierra Leone.
Mr. Abdulai Caulker, the National Security Coordinator (NSCoord) stated that it was with great pride and responsibility that the Office of National Security presented the National Security Policy and Strategy of Sierra Leone, he described the NSPS as a comprehensive framework designed to safeguard the country and its people. The NSPS represents a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to ensure a secure, stable and prosperous future for the country. The NSPS includes a wide range of measures and principles geared towards protecting Sierra Leone's sovereignty, territorial integrity and the safety and wellbeing of its citizens. It can also be seen as a long term unified national strategy stipulating the country's national security vision and how to deliver a better state and citizen's security,”He added that the development of the NSPS was driven by a collaborative and inclusive approach, incorporating insights and expertise from various stakeholders across the security sector, government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society and international partners; adding that, the aim was to create a robust, adaptive and forward looking strategy that addresses the evolving security challenges of the contemporary world. The NSCoord further highlighted the overarching objectives of the policy and strategy as the strengthening of security institutions to preserve national security through the maintenance of law and order and that the policy also gives prominence to human security.
Representing civil society organisations, Dr Fatou Taqi, expressed similar sentiments on the need to maintain peace and national cohesion and ensuring that the NSPS is implemented successfully. Dr. Taqi is asserted that it was also the responsibility of citizens to contribute in maintaining peace and security in Sierra Leone.
Ambassador Bryan David Hunt, of the United States of America, was also present at the official launch of the NSPS, the Ambassador, expressed that this launch was a landmark event representing countless hours of diligent work and deliberation by leaders across the security and political spectrum. Ambassador Hunt seized the opportunity to encourage the Government of Sierra Leone to continue to build on this legacy, by fully integrating values, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, gender equality and protection of civilians in armed conflict. The Ambassador also reaffirmed the commitment of the USA to support the institutions of Sierra Leone’s security sector to enhance capabilities and strengthen institutional capacities.
Speaking on behalf of the Diplomatic Corps, Ms. Lisa Chesney, echoed that the diplomatic corps recognizes that it is not just the substance that is welcomed in the NSPS, but the values and by upholding of which under pressure is critical. The High Commissioner also commended the ONS in making sure that the NSPS acknowledges the importance of civil liberty. For without attention to the civil liberty and human rights for all, the consent of the public is at risk. Theres is a collective citizens responsibility to maintain peace and security in Sierra Leone.
On behalf of the United Nations Resident Coordinator, Ms. Seraphine Wakana, Mr. Rudolf Schwenk, commended the consultative process that has taken place on the development of the Strategy and its objective to address security challenges and threats, while promoting peace and development. Mr Schwenk further stressed that cconsultation, collaboration and consensus building between the state security apparatus and citizens are key to sustaining peace and stability. These are the foundations of development and there cannot be development without peace. The three Cs mentioned above are also crucial ingredients of trust. No security apparatus can be effective without creating trust with citizens. Therefore, the UNDP welcomes the link of the security policy and strategy to the national development plan and its objectives, as well as to the regional security and development environment.
H.E President Dr. Julius Maada Bio opened his speech by asserting that the launch, marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leones history as the NSPS document embodies a collective commitment to safeguarding the security, peace and prosperity of Sierra Leone. The launch unveiled the policy strategy that H.E President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s government reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding sovereignty, integrity and peace of Sierra Leone. Ensuring the safety and security of Sierra Leone and its citizens is paramount. In an increasingly complex and global environment the challenges of Sierra Leone’s national security have become multifaceted and dynamic. His Excellency indicated that the policy provides a robust framework to addressing these challenges wholistically, ensuring a secure and peaceful Sierra Leone. This NSPS is designed to address the multifaceted threats Sierra Leone faces, these threats include, border management and security, climate change, disasters, economic security, environmental security, social media misuse, cyber crimes and transnational organized crime. These threats call for effective coordination, collaboration and accountable response mechanisms across multiple agencies. The NSPS is the outcome of extensive national consultations involving numerous stakeholders. His Excellency called upon all Sierra Leoneans to participate in the effective implementation of this policy by remaining vigilant and supporting security agencies, as security is everyone’s business.