A landmark gesture of bilateral cooperation saw the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone donate surveillance equipment to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to bolster the nation’s “Safe City” Project. The donation comprises 45 CCTV cameras, three Huawei monitors and three Lenovo laptops, all manufactured in China.
The handover ceremony was attended by senior officials and law enforcement representatives. Speaking at the event, Chinese Embassy representative Hon. Zhang Diabin emphasized China’s commitment to Sierra Leone’s public safety efforts.
“These items will assist the SLP in implementing its ‘Safe City’ Project by equipping CCTV systems across the country,” Hon. Zhang Diabin said. “They symbolize our shared commitment to peace, security and the well-being of every citizen in Sierra Leone. We believe they will empower the SLP to prevent and combat crime more effectively, protect communities and build public trust; fundamentals for national progress.”
Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, expressed gratitude on behalf of the SLP, acknowledging China’s longstanding support. “China and Sierra Leone have been friends even during our civil war, when China stood by us. It was on that foundation of friendship that our cooperation expanded,” he said.
IG William Fayia Sellu highlighted the strategic importance of the “Safe City” project, first conceived in 2014 and revitalized under President Julius Maada Bio. He noted that over 36 surveillance cameras have already been installed in Freetown, including at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital at Cottage, following a rise in child theft incidents. He also praised China’s support to Sierra Leone’s media sector and the progress of the “Smart City” initiative, which has expanded to Bo City South and plans to include Kenema, Makeni and Port Loko.
“The 45 CCTV cameras, three laptops, and three 65-inch plasma screens significantly enhance the police’s capacity to cover all six police regions nationwide,” IG William Fayia Sellu said. “We are grateful for the Chinese Embassy’s consistent support and the advanced training opportunities provided to our officers through Chinese-sponsored programs.”
He concluded with optimism about the impact of the donation: “Today, I am proud to receive this substantial intervention from China, which will help strengthen our efforts to ensure the safety of our people. With these donations, we anticipate a reduction in crime rates in the coming months.”
The event concluded with the official signing and handover of the donated items, marking a milestone in Sierra Leone-China bilateral relations.
