By Sayoh Kamara
On September 26, 2025, Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Fayiah Sellu, will turn 60; a milestone that, according to law and established precedent, marks the end of his active service. His retirement should be automatic, as has been the case for countless civil servants before him. Yet, whispers of a bid to extend his tenure are growing louder, raising serious concerns about the future of the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and the principles of fairness and professionalism within the force.
For decades, the SLP has prided itself on being an institution guided by best practices, especially regarding leadership succession. When the late President Dr. Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah restructured the police during his tenure, it was part of a deliberate effort to restore public confidence and professionalism. Those reforms were intended to ensure that no single leader became indispensable, and that opportunities for advancement were equitably available to all qualified officers.
President Julius Maada Bio has continued to uphold these values, repeatedly stating there will be “no sacred cows” when it comes to following the rules. If that stance is to remain credible, there can be no exceptions; not even for the current Inspector General. Extending IGP Sellu’s tenure would undermine this principle and set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that rules can be bent for those in power.
The police force today boasts a cadre of young, dynamic, and highly capable officers who are ready to step up and lead. Blocking their path to leadership not only stifles talent but risks demoralizing an already divided force. Many officers feel alienated under the current leadership, and prolonging Sellu’s stay could further fracture an institution that plays a critical role in maintaining peace and security.
While IGP Sellu’s years of service deserve recognition, this moment should be about institutional continuity, not individual ambition. The legacy of a true leader is measured not by how long they cling to office, but by how smoothly they pass the baton to the next generation.
As the clock ticks toward September 26, the nation will be watching closely. President Bio and his government have a responsibility to protect the integrity of the SLP by ensuring that retirement laws are upheld. Anything less in this circumstance, risks eroding public trust and undoing years of progress in professionalizing one of the country’s most vital institutions.
IGP Sellu must exit with dignity, allowing a new era of leadership to emerge — one that can rebuild unity, restore morale, and strengthen the police force for the challenges ahead.