The Sierra Leone Police last week informed the public that they needed Le.13billion for the elections to provide security and handle other logistical needs. Two days after they revealed that they had bought 35 brand new vehicles at $45,000 accounting for Le.12, 127,500,000 that represent 92% of money needed.
The huge logistical support that the security sector will require to assist the National Electoral Commission (NEC) will be monumental and the mobilization of resources by the sector to provide adequate and credible security for the electioneering processes is a nightmare.
The police Director of Supports and Logistics, Assistant Inspector General, Kalia E. Sesay revealed that only 18 of the purchased 35 vehicles were being delivered to them with the remaining 17 to be delivered soon. He also confirmed that certain portions of the requested funds from government is in their possession but however stressed that it will not meet their demand line.
The history of elections in Sierra Leone has been characterized by violence, intimidation and assault, not only against political opponents but the wider populace. Recent events have confirmed heightened concerns of increased political tensions in the country but the wide threat assessment by the security sector indicated that those threats are more diverse and challenging ahead and after the 2018 elections.
The just launched integrated security strategy for the 2018 general elections outlined that, “There are still indications of the inability of the security sector to act in a politically neutral manner which has raised the urgent need to strengthen institutional capacity.”
The document is established to provide a framework within which security sector institutions are adequately prepared, engendered and resourced to perform Elections Security related duties with professionalism, gender sensitivity, impartiality and credibility.
The Inspector General of Police Francis A. Munu said each of the 6 police regions into which the country was divided including, Western Urban and Rural, Eastern, Southern and Northern Regions respectively, will be provided with at least 2 vehicles and one truck for speedy transportation of personnel and sensitive elections materials.
The overall objectives of the security document for the election are based on maximizing the safety of the public within and in close proximity to any voting venue and maximize public confidence and trust particularly within vulnerable and marginalized groups. The security sector are prepared to facilitate lawful protest, recognizing and protecting human rights at all times and also minimize recourse to the use of force.
The Inspector General pleaded that, “The SLP expects to get the fullest cooperation of all political parties, and the general citizenry because political intolerance should be discouraged in all its form.” He said, “Democracy implies that the rule of law should prevail at all times and in all liberal democracies it is the police that has the responsibility for providing security and maintaining law and order,” he clarified.
By Mohamed Kabba
Twitter: @chikakabba
Monday November 27, 2017.
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