FRIDAY 1ST NOVEMBER, 2024
Mr. Moderator, Honorable Vice President, Distinguished Guests, Officers of the Sierra Leone Immigration Department, Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Security Sector is honoured to join the Sierra Leone Immigration Department for this landmark occasion—the launch of a new uniform for its corporate and field staff.
This new uniform represents more than just a wardrobe update; it signifies a profound transformation within our security services, underscoring the pivotal role of a modernized and empowered immigration service in our national security architecture.
As frontline defenders of our borders, immigration officers are essential to protecting Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, while facilitating the secure movement of people and goods. In today’s complex and fast-evolving global landscape, their responsibilities have grown broader, touching on issues critical to our national stability. The new uniform stands as a powerful symbol of the professionalism, integrity, and vigilance that each officer must bring to their role.
Beyond marking a physical transformation, this uniform serves as a reminder of the far-reaching responsibilities immigration officers hold—not only at our borders, but also in areas such as cyberspace, the economy, and international relations. The officers, who wear this uniform, embody the face of Sierra Leone, personifying our core national security values: transparency, commitment, and respect for human dignity.
As we continue to reform and modernize our security institutions, let this uniform be a testament to progress, unity, and the unwavering commitment of this department to its mission. The Security Sector recognizes the value of interagency cooperation, and the Immigration Department’s work is indispensable to Sierra Leone’s comprehensive security strategy. Immigration is not merely an isolated service but a crucial component in the concerted efforts of all security institutions working to ensure a safer nation.
The Security Sector acknowledges the transformative leadership of Hon. Alusine Kanneh, under whom the Immigration Department has redefined its role within the national security architecture. His forward-thinking approach has integrated immigration processes with Sierra Leone’s broader security objectives, recognizing immigration as a critical line of defense against potential threats, including organized crime and human trafficking. This alignment not only bolsters our national security, but also reinforces collaborative efforts with other institutions to combat transnational challenges.
Hon. Kanneh’s dedication to professionalism, human resource development, and unity across ranks has elevated the department’s standards, fostering resilience and commitment that resonates across the security sector. His inspiring leadership has created a more secure, cohesive, and forward-looking immigration framework that strengthens Sierra Leone’s security posture, enhances our readiness against emerging threats, and fosters interagency collaboration. His enduring impact marks him as a transformative leader, whose efforts have profoundly connected with Sierra Leone’s national security goals.
In celebrating this moment, we not only commend the Immigration Department, but also the broader security sector, as each institution has recognized the pivotal role that immigration plays in our collective mission. Let us move forward together with renewed focus and determination, as we work to build a safer and more secure Sierra Leone.