By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Inspector General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu, who also serves as Chairman of the West Africa Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO), has safely arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, ahead of the 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference scheduled to take place from 27 to 29 August 2025.
Mr. Sellu is expected to play a central role in this year’s gathering by delivering a major presentation on the theme “Cybercrime and the Response from West Africa.” His intervention will spotlight the mounting challenges of cyber threats and the urgent need for closer cooperation among regional law enforcement bodies to tackle this growing menace.
The INTERPOL African Regional Conference, held every two years, is one of the most important platforms for African police chiefs and security experts. It provides an opportunity for senior law enforcement representatives from across the continent to deliberate on pressing issues of organised crime, terrorism, human trafficking, and emerging security threats driven by technological advancement.
In his anticipated keynote, Mr. Sellu will highlight the progress made in West Africa in countering cybercrime, including enhanced digital forensics, improved intelligence sharing, and the creation of specialised cyber units within police forces. He will also emphasise the importance of adopting proactive policies, strengthening regional solidarity, and fostering global partnerships to stay ahead of cybercriminals.
Officials from the Sierra Leone Police described Mr. Sellu’s participation as both a recognition of his leadership within WAPCCO and an acknowledgment of Sierra Leone’s growing role in shaping continental security dialogue, notinng that with cybercrime now affecting governments, businesses, and individuals, the Inspector General’s message will underscore why African nations must unite to safeguard their digital and physical spaces.
The three-day conference will not only focus on cybercrime but will also provide room for member states to assess existing frameworks in combating terrorism, drug trafficking, and transnational organised crime. By strengthening cooperation and sharing best practices, the conference aims to reinforce continental solidarity in the face of increasingly complex security challenges.
As Chairman of WAPCCO, Mr. Sellu carries the responsibility of articulating the collective stance of West Africa, ensuring that the unique concerns of the subregion are given prominence in discussions. His presentation is expected to provide practical insights and forward-looking strategies that could shape future INTERPOL engagements and influence national policies across the continent.
Observers say his keynote on cybercrime will be particularly timely, given the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure in Africa and the parallel rise of cyber threats that exploit systemic vulnerabilities. His leadership role will highlight the urgent need for resilience, innovation, and collaboration across borders.
The Sierra Leone Police Media Team has confirmed that it will give full coverage of IGP Sellu’s activities during the conference, including his keynote delivery, bilateral meetings with other police chiefs, and broader contributions to the sessions on security cooperation.
The 27th INTERPOL African Regional Conference, running from 27 to 29 August in Cape Town, is expected to be a defining moment for African policing. With IGP William Fayia Sellu representing both Sierra Leone and West Africa, the gathering promises to reinforce the central role of African police leadership in advancing security across the continent.
