In a significant move towards promoting peace and stability in Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA) have launched a transformative training program on Conflict Prevention and Frontline Negotiation. The program, which aims to empower youth, particularly Bike Riders, as agents of sustainable peace, commenced today at the Bo East Division Hall.
The training initiative is designed to equip participants with essential skills in conflict resolution and negotiation, fostering peaceful interactions between youth and law enforcement. It is also a response to the growing need for constructive dialogue among youth groups involved in road-related activities and their communities.
In her opening remarks, Chief Superintendent of Police Bernadette Sia Sandy, the Local Unit Commander of Bo East Division, welcomed the participants and the team from the Police Headquarters (PHQ). She set a positive and collaborative tone for the training sessions, emphasizing the importance of the initiative for long-term peace-building in the region.
The keynote address was delivered by the Regional Police Commander South, Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Brima Kanneh. AIG Kanneh highlighted the significance of partnerships between law enforcement, road safety authorities, and youth groups, stressing that these collaborations are vital to maintaining peace and stability across the country.
A delegation from the Police Headquarters in Freetown, led by the Director of Corporate Affairs, AIG Esther Mary Kanitor Dukuray, attended the event, underlining the national importance of the initiative. Among the facilitators was Superintendent Samuel Saio Conteh, head of the Community Relations Department, whose expertise in community engagement added depth to the sessions.
The training was led by experts from the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, including the Training Director and Route Commander, Saidu Mansaray. The facilitators provided interactive and practical insights into conflict resolution and negotiation techniques, focusing on ways to manage disputes constructively.
Youth Bike Riders, who are central to the initiative, actively participated in the sessions, sharing personal experiences and engaging in meaningful discussions. Their involvement is expected to strengthen peace-building efforts, which are supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.
This inaugural training session marks the beginning of a comprehensive program aimed at fostering collaboration and achieving impactful outcomes for peace and sustainable development. By empowering the police, road safety authorities, and youth, the initiative reaffirms the collective commitment to promoting peace in Sierra Leone.
