By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a grand ceremony held at the Police Wives’ Complex in Kingtom, Freetown, on Thursday, October 3, 2024, 25 Senior Police Officers (SPOs) of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) were decorated after being promoted to higher ranks. Presided over by the Inspector-General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, the event was marked by the esteemed presence of Vice President, Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, who also serves as the Chairman of the Police Council.
The promotion ceremony was held to recognize the outstanding service of the officers, including five women, who were elevated to positions of greater responsibility. Among the promoted officers, six rose to the rank of Commissioner of Police, nine were elevated to Assistant Commissioner of Police, while others achieved the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG).
Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, delivering the keynote address, highlighted that all promoted officers met the stringent criteria established by the Police Council, underscoring the government’s commitment to merit-based advancement. He emphasized the importance of these promotions in preparing the officers for leadership roles within the force, reflecting the government’s focus on transparency and fairness in its promotion processes.
“When we assumed office, we shifted the promotion criteria from lobbying to merit,” said Vice President Jalloh. “We established three key pillars for promotions: continuous appraisal, training, and competency. This ensures that only those who are truly prepared for leadership are promoted.”
The Vice President outlined that the officers’ promotions were based on evaluations from their superiors, including the Inspector-General of Police, alongside their participation in rigorous local and international training programs. After meeting these conditions, the officers underwent a competency interview conducted by the Public Service Commission and the Police Council.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh praised the promoted officers for their commitment to national security, stating, “These promotions are not just about rank; they are a testament to your dedication and the hard work you have put in to secure peace and stability in our nation.” He also reaffirmed the Government’s resolve to transform the Sierra Leone Police into a professional institution free from political interference.
“The era of promotions based on favoritism is over,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh declared. “These officers have completed extensive leadership training and command courses, aligning with international policing standards.”
He further emphasized that the newly promoted officers would play a crucial role in reducing crime across the country, strengthening community policing efforts and enhancing collaboration with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The Vice President also reminded the officers that their responsibilities extend to the public, as they are funded by taxpayers.
Speaking on behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, the Vice President lauded Inspector-General William Fayia Sellu, for ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. “IGP Fayia Sellu’s leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the promotion system,” he noted.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Moriba S. Koroma, also commended the promoted officers and encouraged them to meet the high expectations associated with their new ranks. He praised the leadership of IGP Sellu and the ongoing reforms within the Police Force, calling on the officers to uphold the values of service, integrity and discipline.
Inspector-General, William Fayia Sellu, echoed these sentiments, congratulating the officers on their well-deserved promotions. He reminded them of the increased responsibilities their new roles entail, stating, “This is your time to shine; with your promotion comes the need to serve with greater integrity and discipline.”
IGP William Fayia Sellu also reassured those who were not promoted that their time would come, urging them to remain dedicated to their duties. “There is a time for everything,” he remarked, encouraging all officers to celebrate their colleagues’ achievements.
The ceremony was graced by several distinguished guests, including the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the National Security Coordinator and several retired Senior Police Officers. The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from newly promoted AIG Esther Mary Kaintor-Dukuray, who expressed gratitude to the Government for recognizing their efforts.
In addition to the ceremony, the Vice President also held a strategic meeting with the Police leadership at Police Headquarters in Freetown, where critical issues such as restoring discipline within the force and maintaining political neutrality were discussed.
“We are committed to reforms that will strengthen national security and ensure the police operate with fairness, transparency and integrity,” Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh stated, reaffirming the Government’s agenda for meaningful security sector reforms.
The promotion ceremony stands as a testament to the Government’s commitment to building a professional, merit-based Police Force that can uphold peace and order in Sierra Leone.
