THE United Nations Department of Safety and Security, UNDSS, has advised its staff based in Sierra Leone to be alert to what is happening in their surroundings.

A document in possession of Realnews and signed by Juventine Odoket, security advisor, UNDSS, stated:  “UNDSS attention has been drawn to the reports circulating on social media calling for a demonstration against the international community to protest against what is termed as interference with the electoral process.

“While it is not possible at this stage to confirm the authenticity of these reports, UNDSS would like to advise all UN staff that from now onwards, you should exercise extra precautions and be alert to what is happening in your surroundings. Should you notice any unusual crowds, please stay away from them and report any suspicious activities to UNDSS.”

Odoket advised agency security focal points “to ensure that security guards at their locations are alert at all times; exercise strict access control and to ensure that this information is disseminated to all staff.”

Realnews reports that the warning is coming amidst tension in Sierra Leone following the presidential run-off vote which took place on March 31. The result of the election has not been announced but there is a feeling that the candidate of the opposition party might win. Hence, the ruling government is not at ease with the development.

In a bid to ensure that the parties to the election accept the outcome, Sierra Leone’s two presidential candidates on Monday in Freetown, signed an agreement on the the procedure for tallying of ballots before announcement of results.

Rtd Brig Maada Bio signed for the opposition SLPP, while Samura Kamara signed for the ruling APC.

The National Electoral Commission, NEC, also initialled the accord, which the heads of three international observation missions – The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, African Union, AU and Commonwealth and the United Nations signed as witnesses.

Prof. Amos Sawyer (ECOWAS), Kgalema Motlanthe (AU), John Mahama (Commonwealth) and Mohammed Ibn Chambas (UNOWAS) facilitated the meeting that produced the agreement also witnessed the exchange of the signed texts by the two candidates.

– Apr. 4, 2018 @ 16:05 GMT

AE