By Sallieu S. Kanu
Sierra Leone — August 2025: In a major step toward enhancing public safety and deepening bilateral ties, the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone has donated a suite of surveillance equipment to the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) in support of the country’s “Safe City” initiative. The donation includes 45 CCTV cameras, three Huawei monitors, and three Lenovo laptops—all manufactured in China.
The handover ceremony, attended by senior government officials and law enforcement representatives, marked a milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to modernize its crime prevention infrastructure. Chinese Embassy representative Hon. Zhang Diabin emphasized the strategic importance of the donation, stating, “These items will assist the SLP in implementing its ‘Safe City’ Project by equipping CCTV systems across the country.”
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to Sierra Leone’s development and security, describing the donation as a symbol of “shared commitment to peace, security, and the well-being of every citizen.” Zhang added that China’s support remains “action-oriented, reliable, and people-centered.”
Inspector General of Police, Mr. William Fayia Sellu, expressed deep gratitude to the Chinese government and the Embassy, recalling China’s longstanding friendship with Sierra Leone, including its support during the civil war. “It was on that foundation of friendship that our cooperation expanded,” he said.
IG Sellu noted that the “Safe City” project, first conceived in 2014, has gained renewed momentum under President Julius Maada Bio. He highlighted recent installations of over 36 surveillance cameras in Freetown, including at the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital, following a rise in child theft incidents.
Sellu also praised the progress of the “Smart City” initiative, which has extended to Bo City South and is now targeting Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko. He emphasized that the newly donated equipment will significantly enhance the SLP’s ability to monitor and respond to incidents across all six police regions nationwide.
In addition to the hardware, IG Sellu acknowledged China’s support in providing modern equipment to Sierra Leone’s media sector and facilitating advanced training opportunities for police officers.
“This substantial intervention from China will help strengthen our efforts to ensure the safety of our people,” IG Sellu concluded. “With these donations, we anticipate a reduction in crime rates in the upcoming quarters.”
The event concluded with the official signing and handover of the donated items, reinforcing the growing partnership between Sierra Leone and China in the areas of security, development, and technological advancement.