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Poor security in Sierra Leone

Poor security in Sierra Leone

The security situation in the country’s capital, Freetown and the Provinces is not safe. According to observations, the Sierra Leone Police, who are supposed to protect lives and property, has been blamed for working contrary to their duties as laid down in the Constitution of the country.The rising spate of armed robbery, the lawlessness on the streets as typified by the actions of commercial bike riders, the trigger happy habit of police shooting innocent protesters as it occurred in Kono over the Koidu Holdings and now within the perimeter of our international airport and other security lapses continue to prove that the lives of the people and their properties are not safe.

What makes the matter frightening is that the police seem to be working in concert with these marauders, and if not so, at least they seem to be lackadaisical in performing their duties.

Currently, this menace of police inefficiency and the lack of a proper security method has been repeatedly brought to the attention of the public and the government. Sierra Express Media has received and has reported several cases of armed robbery incidents, all occurring nation wide as even poor villagers have not been spared.

Victims of these attacks have always called on the police, but alas, there has been a lackluster response, giving credence to the fear that the police are part of the armed robbery cabal operating in the country.

A British investor was murdered in Kingtom, right under the nostrils, so to speak, of the police. Although the Briton screamed for help and neighbours were afraid to confront the armed criminals, called for police response and it was not forthcoming.

According to several concerned people interviewed, as soon as the APC government assumed power the security situation reverted to the bad old days.

The fact of the matter is that while the present government may be doing a lot to bring a better society into the country and enhance development, it seems the area of security has been totally abandoned and is not part of this agenda. That is why the people have already lost confidence as they continue to go to bed with fear and trepidation.

The story of Isata Mansaray a petty trader who was a victim of armed robbers is not unique, but is now a common scenario.  “I am finished,” this was her exact statement she uttered after armed robbers ransacked her residence and carted away all her hard earned property.

According to many victims who spoke to this press, most of the armed robbery is done in connivance with some misguided police personal. Some also alleged that some of these robber dress in police and military uniforms. It not yet clear whether it is the police themselves doing. Although the office of national security (ONS) is working round the clock to ensure that the overall security of the state is under control, their efforts have not been well complemented by other stakeholders, particularly the police. The fear expressed by Sierra Leoneans it that the security situation is porous and not in the interest of the nations development.

No one will be ready to invest and put his or her money in a country which is under the control of armed robbers and other killers.

President Ernest Bai Koroma, the ball is in your court Sir.

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