LocationsUNDP Sierra Leone supports the launch of the Country’s first-ever National Security Policy and Strategy
August 9, 2024
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio , President of the Republic of Sierra Leone launching the National Security Policy and Strategy in Freetown.
UNDP in Sierra Leone has supported the official launch and nationwide media dissemination of the country's first-ever National Security Policy and Strategy by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
The launch of the National Security Policy and Strategy marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone's efforts to strengthen its security sector and promote a coordinated and democratic approach to national security. The policy outlines a comprehensive framework for addressing the country's security challenges, including maritime, terrorism, cybercrime, and transnational organized crime.
The launch of the National Security Policy and Strategy was facilitated by the Office of National Security (ONS), in partnership with UNDP Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) implemented by GIZ through the financial support of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, security personnel, civil society representatives, community actors and development partners.
In his keynote address, President Maada Bio emphasized the importance of a coordinated approach to national security, saying, "This policy will ensure that our security agencies work together effectively to address the security challenges facing our nation."
The President highlighted the vital link between peace and development, declaring, “Our country will thrive only when it is peaceful, secure, and stable.” He urged all citizens to play an active role in promoting peace in their communities and across the nation, emphasizing that it is everyone's duty to contribute to a harmonious and secure society.
A cross section of Development Partners in a group photo with His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
Speaking on behalf of the Ms Seraphine Wakana, UN Resident Coordinator, Rudolf Schwenk, commended the collaborative approach used to develop the National Security Strategy, which prioritizes addressing security challenges and threats while promoting peace and development.
He highlighted the vital contributions of women and young people to the strategy's success, stressing the need for gender mainstreaming in security sector reform and governance. He emphasized, “We welcome an increased mainstreaming of a gender perspective in all aspects of the security sector reform and governance as well as the removal of legal, institutional and regulatory barriers to women and young people’s equal participation and representation at all levels within the security institutions.”
The launch of the National Security Policy and Strategy, Sierra Leone marks a significant step towards promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development. The ongoing nationwide media dissemination of the NSPS is expected to reach millions of Sierra Leone and promote awareness ownership of the strategy. UNDP will continue to support the government in implementing the policy and achieving its goals.
UNDP’s ongoing support to the security sector
UNDP Sierra Leone over the years, has provided support to the security sector as part of partnership with key justice and security institutions for professional, accountable, and community-responsive security service delivery, and the ONS' effort to have a coordinated and democratic approach to national security.
In partnership with the Law Reform Commission, UNDP Sierra Leone is supporting the review of the Police Act of 1964 which remains to this day the same, despite the several changes in the institutional governance of the police force. This review will modernize the Act, aligning it with contemporary policing practices, democratic principles, and constitutional requirements. With the objective to lay the foundation for the subsequent transition of the Sierra Lone Police Force to Police service that is more responsive to community needs and concerns, prioritizes crime prevention, trust, and confidence building, and working in partnership with the public to improve security service delivery.
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