By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone has secured strategic support from Russia to strengthen its disaster preparedness, search and rescue operations, and emergency response capabilities following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) and Russia’s Ministry for Civil Defence, Emergencies and Elimination of Consequences of Natural Disasters (EMERCOM).
The agreement was signed on 7 November 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya, on the sidelines of the International Conference on Strengthening Search and Rescue Services in the African Region, held from 3 to 6 November.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the NDMA by its Director of Partnerships, Soko Kai-Samba, acting under the authority of Director General John Vandy Rogers. He was accompanied by Michael Lavahun, Senior Disaster Officer.
The partnership establishes a framework for institutional cooperation, technical assistance, capacity building and knowledge exchange between the two institutions.
As part of the agreement, Russia’s EMERCOM has pledged to provide the NDMA with a specialized drone weighing approximately 50 kilogrammes to enhance the Agency’s capacity for disaster monitoring, risk assessment and emergency response.
The drone was delivered to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Kenya on 10 November 2026 for onward transportation to the NDMA in Freetown.
The partnership will cover several key areas, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), disaster risk reduction, early warning systems, firefighting, emergency medical response, water rescue, humanitarian assistance, technology transfer and research.
It will also provide opportunities for NDMA personnel and staff of other relevant emergency management institutions to benefit from scholarships, fellowships and specialized professional training.
Additionally, the agreement will support capacity development in satellite technology, remote sensing, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and drone operations. These areas of expertise are expected to strengthen the Agency’s ability to monitor emerging threats, assess disaster impacts and provide timely information to support effective emergency interventions.
Commenting on the partnership, NDMA Director General John Vandy Rogers said the Agency remained committed to leveraging international expertise, modern technology and specialized training to strengthen its institutional and operational capabilities.
He described the agreement as an important step towards building a more resilient and responsive disaster management system, noting that the partnership would improve Sierra Leone’s ability to anticipate disaster risks, coordinate timely interventions and protect lives, livelihoods and property.
The agreement marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s efforts to modernize its disaster management system, expand international cooperation and strengthen national capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.