“As Bo and Kono Report indict SLP& NFF” Internal Affairs to Institute Internal Investigations

By Bampia Bundu

Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Mr. Raymond Kabia

The Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Raymond Kabia has disclosed that his ministry is going to institute an internal investigation into the causes of the Bo and Kono incidents with special focus on the Police and National Fire Force.

He made this statement at the weekly Government press conference held at the Ministry of Information and Communication, Youyi Building in Freetown on 13^th October 2011.

Deputy Minister noted that it is the responsibility of his ministry to supervise the affairs of the Sierra Leone Police, Immigration, Prisons Department, National Fire Force, and host of other security apparatus across the country.

He went on to state that they have studied the Bo and Kono reports carefully and have realized that both reports indict the Police and Fire Force, adding that they want to know the root cause of the indictments.

He however noted that they are going to ensure that they undergo a robust investigation and all those found wanting will be dealt with according to the law.

Mr. Kabia pointed out that they have confidence in the Kelvin Lewis Report and they respect its findings, but the ministry wants to go beyond the Report and come up with their own internal report.

He stated that they are undergoing such an investigation to learn from the mistakes of other institutions, and to build on such mistakes so as to ensure it never happens again.

Speaking too was Francis Keile, Director of Planning and Research at the Office of National Security (ONS). He said that they have noticed serious political intolerance in the country, and in that regard they have started planning to combat or frustrate anyone who might want to disturb the peace of the country.

He went on to state that they have set up an integrated security committee that comprises all heads of security apparatus in the country including chiefdom police officers, and assured that they are doing all they can as an institution to provide adequate security for the upcoming 2012 presidential and parliamentary elections.