The Honourable Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., met with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) leadership at the Senior Officers’ Mess in Kingtom to discuss strategies for enhancing communication, human rights protection, and the rule of law. The meeting included a cross-section of state counsels and the Deputy Minister of Justice as part of ongoing efforts to improve justice sector coordination.
During the engagement, Minister Sesay acknowledged the significant progress made within the justice sector but emphasized the importance of unity in addressing public concerns. “When the public criticizes the Sierra Leone Police, it also impacts the judiciary. We must work together to foster effective collaboration to ensure justice for all,” he stated.
The Minister expressed reservations regarding the current process of amending the Criminal Procedure Act, which is set to take effect in September 2025. He highlighted the need for increased training on case file management, particularly to address sexual and gender-based violence, and emphasized data tracking as an essential tool for rebuilding public trust in the justice system.
Minister Sesay also commended the police leadership for their support in advancing these initiatives and called for sustained collaboration to improve access to justice across the country.
In response, Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu welcomed the Minister’s initiatives. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry of Justice, noting that the police executive management is prepared to address the thematic issues raised. “We are ready to form technical teams and support the proposed training programmes for investigators,” he assured.
IGP Sellu emphasized that all thematic areas identified must be prioritized by the Sierra Leone Police to strengthen the justice delivery system.
The discussions underscored the critical importance of mutual relationships, effective collaboration, and targeted training in delivering efficient justice services for Sierra Leoneans.
The meeting concluded with a group photograph, symbolizing the renewed bilateral relationship between the police and the judiciary.
