By Lincoln G. Peters
Five officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP) are expected to depart the country today, 28 August 2023 for a six-month United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.
The LNP officers are ACP. Alousious P. B. Mingle, CHP. Fred M. Freeman, II, Insp. Comfort W. Dennis, Part. Diana D. M. Korpo, and Alice M. Feteku.
Police Inspector General Col. Patrick T. Sudue announced Liberian police’s participation in the UN peacekeeping operation Friday 25 August 2023 at the LNP Headquarters in Monrovia.
Col. Sudue said the five officers are going to provide service in South Sudan as part of Liberia’s commitment to helping restore global peace and security.
“Well, like Liberia or any other country has had its share of 14 years of civil war. And we had the international group like ECOWAS, and the United Nations peacekeeping mission coming into Liberia,” said Sudue.
He credited the UN for rebranding the LNP. Col. Sudue indicated that the LNP made a case to the UN and it has been granted an opportunity to provide security service to other countries.
The police chief explained that the program also has an extension. According to him, after the six months, officers can apply for extension and bring the average service to one year.
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Col. Sudue revealed that the selection of the officers was based on merit after a vigorous exercise training at the Police Academy which was inclusive of fire arms, driving, and report writing, among others.
According to Col. Sudue, this is the second group that is leaving the country after the first group went and later returned following its service.
He detailed that additional twenty three persons are also on the standby and are expected to depart the country after the international service of those on duties in crisis countries.
“This means that Liberia is recognized fully as a country of peace and security. Because, this is the first of its kind since the birth of Liberia, 1847 for Liberia to attend peace keeping outside and so it’s a big boost for this administration,” said Col. Sudue.
He said under the current government, the first team was nine, the second was a team of five members, and there will be a team of twenty-three members anytime soon.
Speaking in an interview with this paper on behalf of the group, Inspt. Comfort W. Dennis said they are excited to be selected to provide service in South Sudan.
” The training was not an easy process but thank God we made it. We were trained and after the training, UN delegates came and tested us before approving our service. And so, we promise to do our best and make use of the knowledge and impact received,” she said.
