BY SAHR IBRAHIM KOMBA (232news.com)
Sierra Leone Office of National Security (ONS) has reactivated it National Situation Room ahead of the June 24th multi-tier elections.
This was disclosed at a Press Conference held this past Friday at ONS Headquarters in Freetown.
ONS National Security Coordinator, Abdulai Caulker made this disclosure and also informed the press about the preparedness of the security sector before and after the June 24 multi-tier elections.
Caulker encouraged the public to call the Toll-Free Line 119 accessible to all networks in the country in case of any emergency situation in their localities.
“The reason for this initiative is to enable the public to report any election conflict related concern,’’ he said.
ONS, he went on is responsible to coordinate the national security and intelligence architecture with the aim of creating the enabling environment for sustainable national development and conflict prevention.
The press conference comes amidst tensions between supporters of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party.
The ONS National Security Coordinator emphasized that the security sector has constitutional responsibility to ensure the peace and security of Sierra Leone and to protect lives and properties.
He continued that this is the responsibility the sector has always carried out with professionalism and immense success, leading to the peaceful conduct of four democratic elections 2002-2018 in the country. The conduct of those elections was accompanied by smooth and peaceful transfer of political powers and June 24 2023, is not an exception, he said.
He furthered that they have taken a number of activities in order to adequately prepare themselves for the June 24th general elections which are in line with their mandate.
He further informed the press that they have activated the Integrated Election Security Planning Committee (IEPSPC) to ensure focused coordination of the efforts of Election Management Bodies (EMBs), support security sector planning and actions through the development of appropriate strategies, and mobilize funding support for the security sector to cover elections.
He reiterated that they have conducted a National Threat Assessment/District Risk Mapping leading to the development of three strategic documents which includes the Election Security Strategy, Elections Communications Strategy and Election Training Manual which they have implemented.
He also disclosed that they have also reactivated National Situation Room to support the security sector’s early warning and early response mechanism relating to the electoral process and related national issues.
He however said that security for the election will be provided by the Sierra Leone Police supported by the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) under the Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP) policy.
He assured the public that the security sector will remain professional and impartial in the execution of its duties adding that all political parties will be treated fairly in line with their respective mandate and codes of conduct.
He further stated the unfair criticism levied against members of the security, noting that social media is one of the greatest threats to their national security.
“Social media platforms have been used to circulate misinformation, tribal bigotry, hate speech, invectives among others especially WhatsApp,” he said.
He noted that the division and spread of ethnic messages through social media have proved very unhelpful for national unity and cohesion.
He mentioned that lawlessness, indiscipline and political intolerance among others have led to unnecessary tension in the country and they further undermined national security and the integrity of the elections. He concluded by encouraging all to support the work of the security sector and EMBs in order to deliver on their mandates.
