By Audrey Raymonda John

“Today marks the conclusion of a Three-Day Regional Dialogue Forum held at the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority’s office in Makeni,” says a speaker at the dialogue event.

The forum brought together Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), and Bike Riders Union (BRU) followed by a significant discussion on issues related to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the three bodies.

The MoU, which was established in December 2024, aims to enhance peace, stability, and road safety among the participating institutions. It encompasses eighteen agreed resolutions, emphasizing the importance of respecting human rights while adhering to the rule of law during a democratic implementation process.

Key points highlighted on during the forum include:

– Encouraging mutual respect among the state authorities (SLP and SLRSA) and motorcycle riders in managing road safety in the country.

– Highlighting the role of the Bike Riders Union in being law-abiding citizens while fostering a cooperative relationship with the SLP, SLRSA, and other transport sector stakeholders.

– Acknowledging the mandate of state authorities (SLP and SLRSA) to enforce road safety laws, while urging motorbike riders to engage constructively with these authorities to ensure compliance.

– Informing the BRU to report any incidents of unprofessional conduct by the SLP or SLRSA towards their members to the Complaints, Discipline, and Internal Investigation Department (CDIID) and the Complainant Investigations Office of both organizations.

The Regional Dialogue Forum commenced in Bo City on March 25, and it continued till March 26 in Kenema, and it ended on 27th March in Makeni.

Each session was structured to allow participants to discuss the successes achieved since the signing of the MoU, as well as the challenges faced by the SLP, SLRSA, and BRU. The three bodies together explored strategies for preserving the peace, security, and stability of the country.

Community stakeholders, including representatives from the Inter-Religious Council, youth representatives from the Youth Council, chiefs, civil society organizations, Local Policing Partnership Board members, journalists, and many others from the regions, contributed meaningfully to the discussions.

The forum concluded with a group photo, thus symbolizing unity and collective commitment to advancing road safety  and cooperation among parties involved.