HASTINGS, SIERRA LEONE – The African Union Formed Police Unit Assessment Team has declared the Sierra Leone Formed Police Unit (SLFPU-6) “fit for deployment” following a thorough evaluation, which took place from November 12 to 15, 2024, at the Sierra Leone Peacekeeping and Law Enforcement Academy (SILEA).
The assessment spanned three days and involved a series of rigorous tests including literacy examinations, proficiency interviews for commanders, driving tests for selected personnel, and practical evaluations on weapon handling. Participants demonstrated their skills in stripping and assembling pistols (CF98) and personal rifles (AK47). Additionally, a comprehensive review of the officers’ medical fitness was conducted, culminating in a display of the Unit’s operational readiness.
ACP Emmanuel Lithakong Ntpaba, leader of the Assessment Team, commended SLFPU-6 for meeting the African Union’s international standards for deployment to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). He praised the personnel’s teamwork during various simulation exercises, highlighting their preparedness for the peacekeeping operation.
“Congratulations to the Unit for successfully completing the assessment,” ACP Ntpaba stated. “I am pleased to declare you fit for deployment to the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia.”
In a heartfelt response, ACP John Fayiah Tumbay, Head of Peacekeeping Operations at the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), outlined the rigorous training process that led to this achievement. “We started with over 600 applicants; after our internal assessments, only about 300 remained. Further training saw additional personnel drop out, but those who persevered demonstrated exceptional performance,” he explained.
ACP Tumbay noted that while over 200 candidates were trained, only 160 will be deployed, with the remainder kept as reserves. He expressed pride in the Unit’s accomplishments and conveyed optimism for their upcoming mission. “You have all excelled and earned this certification. Now, your deployment is a testament to your dedication,” he remarked.
Tumbay concluded his address by thanking the Assessment Team for their diligence, the Executive Management Board for their support, the training instructors for their efforts, and the FPU-6 personnel for their professionalism as they prepare for their peacekeeping mission in Somalia.
The event concluded with a jubilant atmosphere as personnel celebrated their achievement and posed for memorable photographs with instructors and members of the assessment team.
