By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Intern)
In enforcing ethics, discipline, patriotism and service to Sierra Leone, the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Col Retired MB Massaquoi addressed western Area troops on these disciplines and how every Army personnel should uphold it at all time.
The Minister made these statements during a short visit at the Wilberforce, barracks, hockey pitch in Freetown on 21st September 2023.
In his opening statement, the Deputy Minister of Defense, Col Retired Massaquoi cited that discipline should be the bedrock of the Sierra Leone Armed forces and later went on to commend the RSLAF as in most occasions, military personnel have showed a high sense of professionalism and discipline.
Col Rtd Massaquoi continues that on most national issues the RSLAF has been called upon and they have performed extremely well and sternly warned all military personnel who are in the act of misbehaving or can no longer uphold discipline as a core factor in their service delivery to completely stay away from the RSLAF, because the RSLAF is not an institution that condones indiscipline.
Additionally, during his address, Col Rtd Massaquoi emphasized on the need for unity and discipline to be substantive and practiced within the framework of the RSLAF and their duties, He also informed them about the complaints that have been coming across as a result of disputes among military personnel and how it is not good for their discipline values as members of the force.
Deputy Minister of Defense maintains that the habit of infighting among officers and other ranking officers should not be condoned in the RSLAF on no account, he also instructed Commanders not to encourage any act of indiscipline but to take the necessary action against any officer that is found wanting so that it will serve as a lesson to other officers.
Furthermore, Col Rtd Massaquoi brought to light another issues that has been causing the rounds in Freetown which is drug abuse, and appealed to every officer to stay clean and far away from every harmful drug substance like the Kush which can undermine the RSLAF in the eyes of the ordinary civilians and will in turn serve as a disgrace to the force.
Most importantly, the Minister stated that he cared about the health of every military personnel and how hard he is working to ensure that their Health is priority but later warns that Drugs can greatly undermine their well beings. The Deputy Minister also encouraged all military personnel to stand and take responsibility in the fight against illegal drugs and not to just leave the fight in the hands of the Chief of Defense or the Ministry of Defense, but to make a collective effort and fight against this menace in the society.
In another lens, Deputy Minister managed to explain on the advantages, disadvantages and relevance of social media which is to facilitate discussion with relatives and loved ones, he furthers that the dangers social media poses is when it is misused the forwarding of discriminatory, inciting and unwanted messages that would bring the image or reputation of the RSLAF down.
Meanwhile, the Minister also made reference to the welfare of soldiers and their families and maintained that the ministry is working their best to ensure that they are provided with all necessary needs so that the RSLAF can be a happy institution for every personnel and maintained governments commitment in making sure that their challenges are being addressed in the shortest possible period.
Conclusively, Deputy Minister of Defense, Rtd Col MB Massaquoi asserts that his ministry is looking forward to see how best the RSLAF can be deploying troops in subsequent peace keeping operations.
