Top level members of the security sector under the auspices of the National Security coordinator (Rtd) Brigadier Kellie Conteh have during a two day seminar at the Horton Academy been discussing their role and possible mode of operations in protecting the territorial waters of the country; the continued fight against the narcotics trade and international organized crime; and preparedness for the 2012 Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
In a press briefing Friday the Chief Fire officer Kamanda Bongay read out the key outcomes of the two day meet which included the affirmation that “the security sector must be apolitical and professional in the discharge of its functions and should therefore undertake massive sensitization programs across the sector; reaffirmation that the Sierra Leone police is responsible for internal security and the need for the Government of Sierra Leone to acknowledge the logistic needs across the sector, among others.
Questions on the political neutrality of security officials were raised by journalists and the National Security Coordinator explained that there were some security officials “who do not understand the difference between working for the government and working for the party.” He said these people were “simply a disgrace to their institutions.”
He assured journalists that they had held very frank discussions on the issue and that they had resolved that disciplinary action would be taken against any individual who displays that character. This was buttressed by the Inspector General of Police and the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff.
By Kelvin Lewis