𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐏 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞

editorOctober 7, 20262 Mins read

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with the Spotlight Initiative, has provided the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) with 14 motorbikes and stationery items to strengthen the operational capacity of the Family Support Unit (FSU) and improve access to its services across the country.

The presentation forms part of the ongoing partnership between UNDP and the SLP aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s national response to gender-based violence and improving access to justice and police services.

Making the introductory statement, UNDP Gender Analyst, Madam Kadiatu Bachalle Taylor, underscored the importance of strengthening the operational capacity of the SLP, particularly the FSU, to effectively respond to gender-based and domestic violence.

She noted that mobility remains a major requirement for FSU personnel, especially those operating in remote and hard-to-reach communities. According to her, the provision of the motorbikes would help address mobility challenges, facilitate follow-up investigations and enable officers to respond to cases more promptly.

Presenting the items on behalf of UNDP and its partners, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Frederick Ampiah, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the SLP in protecting vulnerable persons and improving access to justice.

Mr Ampiah stressed the importance of providing specialised police units such as the FSU with the necessary logistical support to effectively carry out their responsibilities. He noted that transportation challenges can limit officers’ ability to reach certain communities and expressed the expectation that the motorbikes would enable FSU personnel to extend their services to areas that are difficult to access.

He also highlighted the importance of continued collaboration among UNDP, the Spotlight Initiative and the SLP in addressing gender-based and domestic violence.

Receiving the items, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) William Fayia Sellu expressed profound appreciation to UNDP and the Spotlight Initiative on behalf of the Sierra Leone Police.

The IGP thanked the organisations for recognising the operational needs of the FSU and providing practical support to strengthen its service delivery. He noted that the Unit plays a critical role in responding to gender-based violence, domestic violence and other offences affecting vulnerable persons, making adequate resources essential to its effectiveness.

IGP Sellu particularly welcomed the provision of the 14 motorbikes, noting that they would help address mobility challenges and enable FSU personnel to reach hard-to-reach communities where their services are required.

He also commended the provision of stationery, noting that both the mobility and administrative resources would contribute to the effective functioning of the Unit.

The IGP reaffirmed the SLP’s commitment to ensuring that the donated resources are properly utilised for their intended purpose and to the benefit of vulnerable persons and communities across Sierra Leone.

IGP Sellu further commended the Head of the Family Support Unit, Detective Superintendent Mohamed S. Y. Mansaray, for his initiative and efforts in fostering partnerships with organisations that continue to support the Unit in strengthening its capacity and improving service delivery.

The presentation underscores the continued partnership between the Sierra Leone Police, UNDP and the Spotlight Initiative in strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing the protection and support of vulnerable persons across the country.