INTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER CONTINUES STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT TO INCREASE ENFORCEMENT ON LAWLESSNESS & INDISCIPLINE .

In his concerted efforts in considering measures to increase enforcement on lawlessness and indiscipline, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, held a pivotal follow-up meeting with Stakeholders to take firm action against the state of lawlessness and indiscipline.

Charing the meeting, Minister Lengor Esq, mentioned that the meeting served as a decisive follow-up on earlier discussions aimed at restoring sanity and discipline in the Country, particularly in the capital city Freetown, while applauding the SLP for their efforts in the sustainability on the ban of commercial bike riding in the CBD.

He pointed out multiple and chaotic challenges which is a major hindrance to lawlessness and indiscipline, including streets trading, streets begging, road signs and traffic congestion, which he described as a national and security concern. He further craved for collaborative, collective, sustained effort, commitment and support to clampdown on issues relating to lawlessness and indiscipline. He maintained that the continuous engagement and dialogue is to implement and enforce laws, including possible ways to its sustainability.

"The Sierra Leone Police primary responsibility is to protect lives and property" he asserted, stressing the need for them to understand what is happening in their designated areas, and to be able to address issues with a preventive approach to curb lawlessness and indiscipline.

Also briefing the meeting, was the Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Sahr Senesie, who underscored the Challenges in the fight against lawlessness and indiscipline. He cited major streets prohibited for street trading, stating that a meeting was held with key players including the FCC, Traders Union, kekeh and Drivers Union, where issues of the growing trends of lawlessness and indiscipline was relayed to them, urging them to take directives and ensure support for enhancing enforcement in its sustainability. He further urged the District Traffic Officers (DTOs) to embark on constant and intensive patrols to maintain sanity in the CBD and clampdown on lawlessness and indiscipline.

In the ensuing discussions, members agreed on developing a strategy for a robust and joint public education sensitization campaign from 2nd to 9th May, wherein 23 prohibited streets have been targeted, to particularly enforce laws on street trading. They stressed that LUCs should take ownership of their designated areas in the enforcement of the law, which is slated for 10th May, 2025 and reports accordingly. While several members among them also called for a swift and follow-up planning, implementation and execution, and way forward for its sustainability, making a way for future meetings expected to be scheduled.

@Ministry of Internal Affairs

Media & Communications Unit