By Aruna Rashed Toma Bangura
Addressing the one hundred and sixty Sierra Leone
Police (SLP) personnel now on deployment in Somalia, past Friday, 4th
September 2020 at Police Headquarters on
George Street, Freetown, before their departure, the Minister of Internal
Affairs, David Panda Noah assured personnel of the force that government will
continue to support them in numerous and diverse ways.
He declared that the 160 personnel are mentally and
physically fit and were unreservedly certified by the African Union and United
Nations Peace Keeping Force. He added that Sierra Leone is reciprocating
support to the countries that helped her during the 11 years civil war.
He urged the 160 police officers to conduct and behave
them-selves well. “Your conduct and behaviour should be put on check,” he said,
adding that it is not yet over because, according to him, they are going to a
trouble zone and will be serving a pluralistic community. He assured them of
the support of the ‘New Direction’ government of President Bio and behalf of
Government wished them a successful mission in Somalia.
In his farewell statement to the 160 Operational
Support Division Personnel, the Inspector General of Police, Ambrose Michael Souvula
said the 160 personnel will work towards contributing to global peace and that
it will be a challenging moment at the warfront, warning that they should not
forget learning and training. IG Sovula told them that an ethical approach will
make them go and return safely and should take note that they are representing
the country, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and themselves.
The Director of Peacekeeping Mission, AIG Gloria O.V
Tarawally said that after 4 months of rigorous training, the 160 personnel
should have been deployed in April this year. She disclosed that they started
off with 784 personnel but that after physical testing, 475 police remained and
that the number was later reduced drastically to a quota of 160.
She said the personnel trained are committed, dedicated,
enthusiastic, physically and mentally fit and equipped with adequate training.
She admonished the men and women to make them-selves
relevant in contributing to peace. “Be a good team and maintain strong sense of
dedication.”
Director of Operational Support Division, Francis M.
Tawa advised troop to work as a team, respect human right, be upright among
them-selves and become victorious. “Whatever status, do not work alone and you
can work with other team from other countries, but be ethical,” he told them.
