Sierra Leone's history of tension and violence between its police and military threatens the country. Conflicts between the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces and the Sierra Leone Police have caused disturbances and left officers injured, while damaging the public's trust in their efficacy. Without fully functioning and cooperating security services, progress on peaceful democracy and development is blocked.

To strengthen collaboration, the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Mission in Sierra Leone and UNPOL are assisting the Government with a joint training project. A security sector sporting competition held across the country's four regions fostered friendly collaboration.

Football and volleyball games were enjoyed by hundreds of forces personnel, both men and women, who played out the tournament in front of enthusiastic crowds. At the finals in April eight men's and women's teams competed, their members coming from both police and military.

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Photo: Per Bjalkander - Playing the game, police and military personnel give volleyball their best shot in the qualifying games of the regional tournament.

Text: Therese Leijon