By Jane B. Mansaray.
As Waterloo becomes a threat to National Security, members of the security sector in Sierra Leone yesterday engaged in frank discussions with stakeholders in the Waterloo and Ward C community in the Western Rural District of Freetown.
The purpose of the meeting was to address the way forward to tackle lawlessness, indiscipline and the spate of criminal activities in the Western Rural District.
They said the community is declared unsafe and prone to criminal activities based on assessment survey conducted a year ago by the Office of National Security (ONS).
Making his opening remarks at the Waterloo District Council, Security Coordinator at ONS, Abdulai Coker said Waterloo as a gateway to Freetown is now a community with high crime rate prevalence such as land grabbing, human and child trafficking, theft, armed robbery and burglary mostly perpetrated by bike riders, transporters and ex-service men.
“This is a concern to national security and if not put to a stop now, it will continue to disturb the peace and stability of the state,” Mr. Abdulai Coker stressed.
The Minister of Western Region who also doubles as co-chairperson of the stakeholders` engagement, Mrs. Nabilla Tunis said security matter is paramount to the functioning of the state.
She noted that the increased rate of crime, specifically in that part of the country is a collective responsibility for a frank discussion.
Woman Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) Elizabeth Turay said Waterloo is one community the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) has identified to improve deployment.
She called on stakeholders to work in partnership with the SLP and other security bodies in sharing and reporting issues that are of threat to national security.
The Minister of Transport and Aviation, Kabineh Kallon stressed on the lawless behavior of bike riders in the country, and with specific reference to Waterloo riders.
He emphasised on the Waterloo bike riders based on their behavior to violently taking to the streets during the fuel crisis and whenever other national issues bothering on grievances arises.
“Waterloo is not an independent state, and Sierra Leone is not the only country with fuel crisis,” Mr. Kabineh Kallon cautioned.
Various stakeholders and authorities including the Chairman of Waterloo District Council, Mr. Kasho Holland Cole, Deputy Mayor, Mr. Osman Tolo, the Themne Tribal Chief and Chairman of Petty traders confirmed the criminal activities within the Waterloo community.
Chief of Defense Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Lieutenant General Sullay Ibrahim Sesay encouraged residents of Waterloo to see reason to give peace a chance and to allow soldiers to continue with their normal duty.
