The African Union (AU) Assessment Team made a courtesy call to Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mr. William Fayia Sellu to evaluate the operational readiness of the sixth Formed Police Unit (FPU-6). This visit follows three months of rigorous training in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Emmanuel Lithakong Ntpaba, the Team Leader, detailed the assessment process during the meeting, emphasizing the critical nature of evaluating both individual and unit readiness. He commended the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for their support of the mission and noted a positive trend in the deployment of female personnel.
“The assessment process will unfold in two phases. The first phase will focus on individual qualifications, including language proficiency through interviews, driving skills for designated drivers, and shooting tests for all personnel. We will also conduct age assessments to ensure compliance with requirements, along with thorough medical evaluations in line with FPU Standard Operating Procedures,” ACP Ntpaba stated.
The second phase will concentrate on assessing the unit’s operational capabilities and their readiness to perform effectively in the mission theater.
Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Lillian Okembo expressed her gratitude to IGP Sellu for his strategic leadership and recognized the essential contributions made by ATMIS Police Commissioner AIG Hailary Sao Kanu. She highlighted Sierra Leone’s notable achievement in producing two consecutive ATMIS police commissioners renowned for their excellence.
In his remarks, IGP William Fayia Sellu extended a warm welcome to the AU team, underscoring the historic significance of the AU’s acknowledgment of Sierra Leone’s role in global peacekeeping efforts. He reflected on the deployment of over 17,500 peacekeepers during Sierra Leone’s civil war, asserting that participation in peacekeeping missions honors the sacrifices of those who served and underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to fostering peace.
Furthermore, IGP Sellu pointed out that the experiences gained by FPU personnel during previous deployments have significantly enhanced their skills, enabling them to effectively address domestic security challenges. He acknowledged the timely nature of the assessment, despite understanding that not all personnel evaluated would ultimately be deployed.
In conclusion, IGP Sellu expressed his appreciation for the assessment team’s visit and their commitment to evaluating the SLP’s readiness for future missions. He reaffirmed the SLP’s dedication to ongoing collaboration with the AU.
The meeting concluded with a group photograph and the presentation of a souvenir to IGP Sellu by Alex M. Dili, the Police Reform Advisor for the UN AU.
