On Friday, 11th November 2022, SEACOP signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Sierra Leone, as represented by the National Security Coordinator, Mr. Abdulai Caulker.
During a ceremony held at the Office of National Security (ONS), Chief of Staff of the ONS, Mr. Francis langumba Keili welcomed the attendees and reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to the implementation and success of the SEACOP project in the country.
The National Security Coordinator, Mr. Abdulai Caulker chaired the meeting whereby he expressed thanks and appreciation to Expertise France for the support to Sierra Leone in the fight against organised criminalities. He further stated that strengthening the maritime domain is critical in successfully curbing organised criminal activities as rogue elements always have the tendency of taking advantage of the vulnerabilities existing at the sea borders and carrying out their nefarious activities at the detriment of national security.
The NSCoord outlined the successes of the SECAOP project albeit being a new project in Sierra Leone. He emphasised the relevance of SEACOP to the country’s fight against illicit activities and recognised the level of interagency cooperation and collaboration which the SEACOP project is currently enjoying.
This ceremony came following a one-week training for the Joint Maritime Control Unit of Sierra Leone, which was targeted at 10 agents.
Delivered by an expert from Belgian Customs and a representative from the Narcotics Commission of Ghana, the training aimed to improve the personnel’s skills and knowledge with regards to vessels’ rummage.
