By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has donated a consignment of surveillance equipment to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s ‘Safe City’ Project. The donation, presented Wednesday, August 13, 2025, includes 45 CCTV cameras, three Huawei monitors, and three Lenovo laptops — all manufactured in China.
The handing-over ceremony brought together senior officials from both the Embassy and the SLP, underlining the depth of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
Representing the Chinese Embassy, Hon. Zhang Diabin reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s public safety and crime prevention initiatives. “These items will assist the SLP in implementing its ‘Safe City’ Project by equipping CCTV systems across the country,” Zhang stated. “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 — all of which are fundamentals for national progress.”
Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, expressed deep appreciation on behalf of the SLP. He acknowledged China’s longstanding friendship and support for Sierra Leone, dating back to the country’s civil war. “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,” IG Sellu said.
The Inspector General highlighted the strategic importance of the “Safe City” Project, which was first initiated in 2014 and revitalized under the administration of President Julius Maada Bio. He revealed that more than 36 surveillance cameras have already been installed in Freetown, including at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital at Cottage. This move, he explained, followed an increase in child theft incidents and has already contributed to improved security in the area.
IG Sellu also noted China’s role in supporting Sierra Leone’s media sector and its contributions to the “Smart City” initiative. This initiative has extended beyond Freetown to Bo City South, with plans underway to expand to Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko.
According to the Inspector General, the new equipment — comprising 45 CCTV cameras, three laptops, and three 65-inch plasma screens — will significantly boost the SLP’s operational capacity.
“This donation will enable the police to provide comprehensive surveillance coverage in all six police regions across the country,” he said. “We are grateful for the Chinese Embassy’s consistent support and for the advanced training opportunities offered to our officers through Chinese-sponsored programs.”
Sellu concluded his remarks with optimism about the positive 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,” he stated.
The ceremony ended with the formal signing and the handing over of the equipment, a symbolic moment that marked yet another milestone in Sierra Leone-China bilateral relations. Both parties expressed confidence that the strengthened partnership would continue to yield positive outcomes in security, development, and mutual cooperation.
With the enhanced surveillance capacity, the Sierra Leone Police aim to step up their fight against crime, improve public safety, and foster a greater sense of security among communities nationwide.
