Ministry Activities
MINISTER OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS DELIVERS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE LAUNCH OF THE ISLAMIC MILITARY COUNTER TERRORISM COALITUON STRATEGIC INITIATIVE TO SIERRA LEONE
As efforts intensify to prevent terrorism and enhancing security, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd. AIG. Morie Lengor Esq, on Tuesday, 13th January 2026, delivered a keynote address at the launch of the Saudi Arabia Supported Islamic Military Counter Terrorism (IMCTC) Strategic Initiative for Sierra Leone.
The event, which took place at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, Aberdeen in Freetown, saw several dignitaries from across the security sectors, including the deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. David Fortune, the Deputy Minister of Defence Col. (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, and other government officials together with the delegation from the Kingdom to Saudi Arabia Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition led by His Excellency the Secretary General of the IMCTC, Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
The historic and momentous event was to intensify the three-week training component for selected members of Sierra Leone's security forces. As it is evident that Terrorism and violent extremism are existential threat to humanity in the Sahel and coastal States of West Africa, the training is also geared towards enhancing the capability and capacity of participants with skills to nullify unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices including identification, towing, and safe disposal among others.
Most importantly, the IMCTC initiative supported by Saudi Arabia seeks to enhance governance, build capacity and protect Sierra Leone and other West Africa States from terrorists activities. Moreover, the initiative further seeks to develop expertise in money laundering to combating terrorist financing.
In his welcome address, National Security Coordinator of the Office of National Security (ONS) Mr. Abdulai Caulker applauded His Excellency the President Brig. Rtd. Julius Maada Bio, highlighting his leadership commitments to global partnership in strengthening security, while commending the IMCTC delegates for the laudable initiative to launch the Counter-Terrorism Coalition Strategy Initiative in Sierra Leone.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG. Morie Lengor Esq, pointed to the key areas of intervention, which typically focuses on addressing the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism that has undermined international peace and security, has divided communities and destabilize the entire regions, hamper their efforts to promote peace and protect human rights, which are also obstacles to sustainable development.
Minister Lengor Esq, noted that the threat of terrorism has not only proliferated geographically but also intensified in terms of violence and narrative. This he noted, the launch of the IMCTC strategic initiative affords them a viral opportunity to foster international cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and explore new ways to enhance security. According to him, their shared challenges demand that they work together flexibly, intelligently, and openly to develop innovative, holistic, and adequate solutions in countering terrorism responses policies and programs.
As he officially launched the strategic initiative between the IMCTC representing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the security sector, representing the Government of Sierra Leone; Minister Lengor Esq, praised the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President Brig. Rtd. Julius Maada Bio, while underlining their dedication and commitment as a Country to strengthen their cooperation with IMCTC as a founding Members State of the Alliance to counter terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and to engage in an open minded dialogue.
In his statement Sierra Leone's Deputy Minister of Defence Col. Rtd. Muana Brima Massaquoi who represented the Minister of Defence expressed gratitude for the strategic initiative in establishing the IMCTC in the fight against terrorism. He pledged the Ministry of Defence commitments to recognizing terrorism as a transnational threat that demands collective and collaborative action, shared responsibility and sustainable partnership.
Speaking during the event, His Excellency Maj.Gen. al-Moghedi who also doubles as the team lead of IMCTC highlighted their strategic objectives which among others is to coordinate military and relief support to member countries to enable them to defeat armed terrorists groups and alleviate the suffering of local communities and to also take effective measures that strengthen prevention, detection and curbing of terrorism financing. He emphasised the importance of integrated partnership in tackling terrorism, while commending the Government of Sierra for the hospitality accorded them. He concluded that terrorism is a global phenomenon that requires major step and cross-border cooperation and coordination in protecting communities.
Other speakers consistently highlighted the importance of the event, thereby reinforcing that Terrorism is an international threat that demands collective collaboration and inclusive efforts, creating the conditions for action and change with the establishment of a counter-terrorism center in Sierra Leone.
The event climaxed the historic signing of the MOU Military Training Programs on Counter-Terrorism Operations Document aims to strengthen partnership between the two parties.
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On today date 23rd July 2025 the Minister of Internal Affairs visited the building which the NDLEA Law Enforcement Team raided suspected to be a clandestine factory for Kush. The owners and occupants escaped during the raid and none had shown up since two months ago. We have put a seizure notice on the house for forfeiture to the state and are pursuing it vigorously.
The meeting held on Thursday 10, July 2025, in the Ministry's Conference room on Gloucester Street in Freetown, was a decisive follow-up meeting with Stakeholders on the unprecedented and appalling state of lawlessness and indiscipline in the Country, particularly the capital city Freetown, wherein, the Minister of Internal Affairs had lengthy discussions with Stakeholders on strengthening enforcement on lawlessness and indiscipline.
During the engagement, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, reiterated the additional measures to be implemented in curbing lawlessness and indiscipline. He emphasised on street trading on walkways, as well as hawking on the streets in major streets, noise pollution in residential areas after mid night, SLP to engage commercial drivers to enforce law on drop-off and pick-up points for passengers, and to ensure that the 24 streets they have earlier identified are sanitized among others.
Minister Lengor Esq, added that lawlessness and indiscipline has engulfed the Country and it is very difficult for investors or development to happen in such a manner, noting that one of his key goals is to make Sierra Leone one of the safest and most peaceful country in the world. He therefore encouraged continuity as part of its sustainability. He said, even though, there is some amount of sanity in most parts of the city, but more needs to be done to change the narrative of lawlessness and indiscipline in the Country.
He commended the effort of the Task Force, especially the SLP and the SLRA, and appealed to them to continue to institute and enforce laws so that sanity can be restored to their society.
"Lawlessness and Indiscipline are causing a lot of accidents in the Country, if there is no compliance to rules and regulations, then our labour is in vain", the Minister cautioned.
The Deputy Inspector General of Police Sahr Senesie reported that the SLP Community Relations Department is still
on a nationwide sensitization regarding lawlessness and indiscipline. He said the operations has been so far successful, due to Stakeholders engagement and partnership, reaffirming their commitment in the fight against lawlessness and indiscipline.
Meanwhile, a host of issues were discussed, as reports from other members of the Task Force including FCC, SLRSA also indicate that a lot of progress has been made so far, as the operation of removing traders from walkways clearing the right-off ways and removing street garages is still ongoing. They highlighted the numerous challenges they have faced, but they however announced that despite the challenges they are committed to supporting the operations accordingly, to enforce laws and ensure its sustainability.
The meeting reached a decision on major recommendations and measures to be implemented, including the interaction and involvement with media content.
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Freetown, Friday 27th June 2025 - To affirm the Human Resource Management Office approval of the Ministry of Internal Affairs employee Database, a Representative from HRMO, the Director of Training and Career Development Mr. Mathew Beckhio witnessed the presentation on behalf of the Director General.
The presentation took place during the recent Senior Management Meeting, wherein the Ministry’s ICT Consultant, Mr. Hassan Tholley, delivered a comprehensive presentation focusing on the Ministry’s employee Database.
The presentation of the Ministry's personnel data base and the official website formed part of the six-month reforms by the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq.
Minister Lengor Esq, appreciated the Ministry's Consultant, the Human Resource Officer Mrs. Fatmata Tarawalie and the ICT Team for their support towards the establishment of the Database and the official Website.
The presentation highlighted the structure, functionalities, and ongoing updates of the employee database, emphasizing its role in enhancing data accuracy, staff records management, and administrative efficiency. He also showcased recent developments made to the Ministry’s official website, with particular reference to transparency, user accessibility, and digital service delivery.
Director Beckhio applauded the Minister for such a laudable initiative, and expressed his satisfaction with the level of detail and professionalism demonstrated in the presentation. Impressed by the quality and potential impact of the ICT systems, he formally requested that Mr. Tholley conducts similar presentation at the HRMO, for ease of clarification and suggestion by the DG, which also aimed at exploring opportunities for alignment and possible adoption of best practices, to enhance data sharing and coordination between government entities.
The Ministry appreciates the technical expertise demonstrated by Mr. Tholley, and looks forward to continued collaboration aimed at improving digital
governance.
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In the ongoing efforts to address lawlessness and indiscipline, the Regional Commander Freetown West, AIG Sylvester M.N Koroma on Saturday 7/6/25, sponsored the planting of flowers and palm trees in a newly created garden at the area where Sajoh Jalloh' scrap metal garage was removed along Levuma Beach. The initiative and directive were given by the Hon. Minister of Internal Affairs, AIG Rtd. Mr Morie Lengor, who had earlier established a Task Force on Lawlessness and Indiscipline in the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with the Regional Commanders of Freetown West and East as champions of police activities in their AoRs. The creation of the garden and planting of the flowers was done by the LUC Lumley Division and his team in the presence of stakeholders of Levuma Beach, including Chairlady Madam I.S and Mohamed Yoroh. Also, the event took place in the presence of the said Sarjoh Jalloh, and the garden was handed over to the Officer Commanding the Levuma Beach Post to see that the garden is monitored and well kept. See pictures below.
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Following significant strides in addressing the issue of lawlessness and
indiscipline in the Country, the Ministry of Internal Affairs held a follow-up meeting with Stakeholders and Local Units Commanders in the Western Area on Tuesday 13th May 2025, to further deliberate and review assigned roles and responsibilities to members of the Task Force.
Leading the engagement, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, commended members of the Task Force, especially the Sierra Leone Police, for their continuous and notable progress, in curbing lawlessness and indiscipline. Adding that collaboration and cooperation are the backbone to address the issue holistically, considering all aspects, and collectively working together as a team.
He noted that, continuous engagement also focused on establishing a clear and inclusive roadmap and implementing strategies aimed at addressing specific areas on lawlessness and indiscipline, such as traffic offences, street trading, loud music or noise pollution in residential areas after 12.00 midnight, street begging, crimes, illegal garages, removing vehicles from walkways for road users, the enforcement of protective crash helmets by bike riders and to enforce laws on designated areas for pickup and drop-off points for buses and other commercial vehicles among others.
According to the meeting, 23 streets have been identified for government institutions responsible for safety to enforce the law, ensuring the free flow of traffic.
Additionally, the effective collaboration with the SLP and other Law Enforcement Agencies will ensure the enforcement and implementation measures, in maintaining law and order during the operations, aimed at a holistic approach towards its sustainability.
Contributing to discussions, members updated the meeting on progress made so far around their designated areas of enforcement, stating that they have been on massive public sensitization campaign, and they are now on the successful implementation, ensuring they achieve its intended goals.
Meanwhile, members expressed thankfulness to the Minister for such a laudable venture, aiming to restore sanity in the face of the capital city, while reaffirming their commitments in advancing the sustainability of the operations.
Among the key resolutions from the meeting were, the Ministry of Information and Civic Education to draw up a communication strategy, to sensitize and inform the public on most of the actions taken on the issues discussed, to draft a checklist for all Local Unit Commanders to enable them ensure that no area is left out of the operation and Task Force members to engage commercial Drivers and Tricycle Union Executive on the pickup and drop-off designated areas for passengers.
Courtesy of Ministry of Internal Affairs, Communications.
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Saturday 3rd May, 2025- Kissi Teng, Kailahun District. As the Minister responsible for Internal Security, Rtd. AIG. Morie Lengor Esq. has led a team comprising the Resident Minister East, the Deputy Minister of Defense, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Transport, the National Security Coordinator, the Deputy Chief of Defense Staff, the Eastern Region Police Commander (SLP), the Chairman Kailahun District Council, representative of the KAIDA among others.
Present also at the meeting were the Paramount Chief from Sierra Leone Kangama/Koindu (Kissi Teng), the Paramount Chief from Nongowa (Guinea) as well as the Mano River Union (MRU) Secretariat, Civil Society Organizations, Youth and Women’s Leaders, the Security Sector and other stakeholders were all present for the community engagement.
Details will follow later…………..
John Bosco Momoh Assistant Secretary Ministry of Internal Affairs.
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Freetown, Tuesday 29th April 2025 - In his concerted efforts in considering measures to increase enforcement on lawlessness and indiscipline, the Minister of Internal Affairs Rtd AIG Morie Lengor Esq, held a pivotal follow-up meeting with Stakeholders to take firm action against the state of lawlessness and indiscipline.
Charing the meeting, Minister Lengor Esq, mentioned that the meeting served as a decisive follow-up on earlier discussions aimed at restoring sanity and discipline in the Country, particularly in the capital city Freetown, while applauding the SLP for their efforts in the sustainability on the ban of commercial bike riding in the CBD.
He pointed out multiple and chaotic challenges which is a major hindrance to lawlessness and indiscipline, including streets trading, streets begging, road signs and traffic congestion, which he described as a national and security concern. He further craved for collaborative, collective, sustained effort, commitment and support to clampdown on issues relating to lawlessness and indiscipline. He maintained that the continuous engagement and dialogue is to implement and enforce laws, including possible ways to its sustainability.
"The Sierra Leone Police primary responsibility is to protect lives and property" he asserted, stressing the need for them to understand what is happening in their designated areas, and to be able to address issues with a preventive approach to curb lawlessness and indiscipline.
Also briefing the meeting, was the Deputy Inspector General of Police Mr. Sahr Senesie, who underscored the Challenges in the fight against lawlessness and indiscipline. He cited major streets prohibited for street trading, stating that a meeting was held with key players including the FCC, Traders Union, kekeh and Drivers Union, where issues of the growing trends of lawlessness and indiscipline was relayed to them, urging them to take directives and ensure support for enhancing enforcement in its sustainability. He further urged the District Traffic Officers (DTOs) to embark on constant and intensive patrols to maintain sanity in the CBD and clampdown on lawlessness and indiscipline.
In the ensuing discussions, members agreed on developing a strategy for a robust and joint public education sensitization campaign from 2nd to 9th May, wherein 23 prohibited streets have been targeted, to particularly enforce laws on street trading. They stressed that LUCs should take ownership of their designated areas in the enforcement of the law, which is slated for 10th May, 2025 and reports accordingly. While several members among them also called for a swift and follow-up planning, implementation and execution, and way forward for its sustainability, making a way for future meetings expected to be scheduled.
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Media & Communications Unit
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