By: RSLAF
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Major General Amara Idara Bangura, addressed troops stationed in the Western Area at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Square, Wilberforce Barracks, on Thursday, 29 May 2025. This engagement formed part of the CDS’s ongoing routine to maintain direct communication and transparency with all ranks across the RSLAF.
The address focused on providing updates on recent developments within the Armed Forces, reviewing progress made on previous commitments, and laying out strategic priorities for the future.
“Hope is the vehicle, prayer the key, and effort the fuel to transform the RSLAF into a professional Armed Force.”
He reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare and detailed the strides made since his maiden address on 12 December 2024. Some of the immediate interventions included: Funeral and marriage assistance to personnel families, Increased Ration, Cash Allowances (RCA) for operations and training, Raised Monthly Running Cost (MRC) for improved unit administration, Fuel quota expansion, including allocation of 10% of unit fuel to Brigade and Regimental Sergeant Majors and Improved transportation via the introduction of a Western Area town bus service and Infrastructure upgrades, including road reconstruction and borehole construction at Murray Town and Wilberforce Barracks.
RSLAF is embarking on a bold agricultural program: 3,000 hectares of cashew farms in 2025, with projections for 5,000 hectares in 2026 and 10,000 hectares by 2027
Rice farming and cattle rearing through a new MoU with the Ministry of Agriculture
60 cattle ranches and an initiative in aquatic fishing powered by a 60MW solar energy system.
Construction of 100 low-cost social houses in 2025, scaling up to 1,000 by 2027
A cost recovery model will enable personnel to own homes in provincial headquarters
PX shops will be constructed in Wilberforce and Benguema Barracks starting June 2025.
Soldiers will benefit from tax exemptions and soft loans on essential goods
Demolition of illegal shops around Juba Barracks will begin at the end of May 2025
Expansion from 100 to 600-bed capacity, supported by the President and First Lady
Data collection for personnel and dependents will begin soon
Port Loko Emergency Hospital to be managed by 34 Military Hospital as part of efforts to combat the Mpox Virus.
Efforts are underway to restore RSLAF’s role in UN missions $10 million worth of PSO equipment from the African Union will support deployment readiness.
HCSC will move to Kerry Town, featuring a new 200-seat auditorium.
Plans for a Commando Regiment and expanded training programs were also highlighted.
The CDS affirmed the Government’s political and diplomatic approach to resolving the border issue. Reiterated RSLAF’s readiness to defend national territorial integrity.
After the general address, the CDS held a focused session with officers at the Myohaung Officers’ Mess. Key areas discussed included:
The first-ever National Defence Policy and Strategy (NDP\&S), awaiting Defence Council approval RSLAF’s expanding role in internal security, including counterterrorism, maritime, cyber, and air operations.
Contribution to national development, through agriculture, civil engineering, peacekeeping, and garment production Management of Port Loko Hospital, with future plans for military hospitals in Bo, Kenema, and Makeni Discipline and professionalism, which the CDS described as “the bedrock of the Armed Forces”
Strong warnings were issued against any form of unprofessional behavior or illegal activity.
During a question-and-answer session, troops raised concerns about welfare, facilities, promotions, disaster risk within barracks, and uniform standards. All questions were addressed to the satisfaction of the troops, with morale notably high.
The session concluded with a proposal to host an Operations and Training Study Day for the RSLAF.