The Ministry of Internal Affairs has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening national security and improving inter-agency collaboration through its regular rotating inter-agency meeting, which was recently hosted by the Sierra Leone Correctional Service (SLCS) in Freetown.
The meeting, held on June 4, 2026, brought together heads of agencies and departments under the Ministry to review operational progress, discuss emerging security challenges and enhance cooperation across the country’s security sector.
Chairing the meeting, the Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor Esq., commended the leadership of the various agencies for their unwavering commitment and the collective synergy that continues to drive the Ministry’s mandate. He assured participants of his determination to utilize effective oversight, sound policies and strong political will to transform the Ministry’s agencies and departments and further improve their performance.
The Minister called for sustained collaboration among all security institutions, emphasizing that dedicated teamwork and professionalism remain essential to addressing the country’s security challenges. He urged officers and staff to discharge their responsibilities with diligence, integrity and the highest level of professionalism.
AIG (Rtd.) Morie Lengor also disclosed that he had engaged the Sierra Leone Police across the Western Area and other regions as part of a proactive security strategy aimed at reducing crime. He noted that criminal activities often increase during the rainy season, particularly when heavy rains create opportunities for criminals to target vulnerable households.
In his welcome address, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Correctional Service, Joseph J. Senesie, thanked the Ministry’s Management and Staff for selecting the institution to host the meeting. He briefed participants on the operations of the Correctional Service and highlighted ongoing efforts to ease congestion at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre.
According to Joseph J. Senesie, the Government of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the Ministry of Works and Public Assets, is advancing plans to construct a modern state-of-the-art correctional facility to provide improved accommodation and rehabilitation services for inmates.
The Chief Immigration Officer of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department (SLID), Dr. Moses Tiffa Baio Esq., also updated participants on the progress of the country’s online passport application system. He noted that significant reforms introduced over the past year have transformed passport services through a fully digitized process.
The modern system now allows citizens to apply for passports online from any location, schedule biometric appointments at their preferred centres and choose any SLID office for passport collection, making the process more efficient and accessible.
Other heads of agencies also presented updates on their respective institutions, highlighting key achievements, ongoing challenges and strategic areas for improvement as the Ministry continues to strengthen coordination and operational effectiveness across the security sector.
