Calm has returned to the Sorogbema Chiefdom Pujehun District in the Sierra Leone – Liberia border, after recent reports of confusion over the alleged ferrying of voters from Liberia for the biometric registration.
According to Sgt. Gaima of the Sierra Leone Police Operational Support Division (SLP/OSD) there is no security threat along the Sierra Leone Liberia Border as economic and social activities are in full swing.
He said the Police have also beefed up security along the Sierra Leone Liberia Border to enforce law and order, pointing out that personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed (RSLAF) have been undertaking frequent security patrols and surveillances of the territory.
Sgt. Gaima stated that though the Sierra Leone Liberia border is porous with several clandestine entry points, the Police have been very vigilant in maintaining peace in the area.
On the issue of ferrying Sierra Leonean residents in Liberia to Gendema for registration Police Sgt. Gaima said that some people came in buses from Liberia coordinated by the Sierra Leone embassy.
He said Biometric voter registration officers from the National Electoral Commission had to verify their citizenship with relevant proof of documents, adding that some were even rejected.
He disagreed with reports that most of them are ex-combatants and they had arms and ammunition “it is not true what people are saying.”
“We are capable of handling any security situation in and around the border area” he assured.
However people were still being ferried from Liberia and some were embassy coordinated, while others were sponsored by some politicians. There are also those who have voluntarily paid for their trip to Gendema to register.
According to NEC staff at Gendema, the large number of arrivals for registration at Gendema was due to the short distance to and from the Liberia.
They said most of those who have been registered for the election are from Monrovia and Cape Mount County.
Gendema, Zimmi and its surroundings is a strong hold of the opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party. Several party stalwarts were seen on the streets past Friday holding palm trees to welcome the visiting flag bearer Julius Maada Bio.
Supporters paraded the streets in jubilant mood as Bio’s convoy was besieged by commercial bike riders and stalwarts while Police personnel stood motionless at the Malema Police Station. (Pictured)
People lined up in their numbers to listen to Bio, and the meeting ended peacefully with a message to supporters to register and obey the laws of Sierra Leone.
By Saidu Bah
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