On the 12 May 2023 a high level delegation of Council of Tribal Heads (Chiefs) paid an impromptu courtesy call on the Commander 3rd Brigade at Murray Town Barracks in Freetown.
The Council of Tribal Heads consists of 16 Tribal Heads (Local chiefs) within Western Area, representing diverse ethnic groups in the communities of Freetown.
The Brigade Commander (BC) expressed delight on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff and Chief Joint Force to host the all-important personalities.
The BC encouraged the chiefs to be committed and work together with HQ 3 Bde in resolving pertinent issues of security threats/concerns in their respective communities.
The BC added that Land Grabbing particularly in Western Area is a perennial threat and over the period, it appears that good number of soldiers are involved in such practice therefore, with the cooperation of the chiefs such issues could be addressed at Bde level rather than referring the matter to the SLP.
Significantly, the chiefs could also give early warning about other security threats developing in their localities through phone calls before it escalates and such proactive measures could assist the security forces (RSLAF) to adequately handle the issue.
The chairman Council of Tribal Heads, Chief Gbekie thanked the BC for the unique meeting and highlighted that Comd 3 Bde is the first Mil high ranking Senior officer to host and recognize the council.
Notwithstanding, the local chiefs promised to work closely with the BC as well as disseminating pertinent information relating to security in maintaining synergy and mutual relationship as we approach the electioneering period.
Furthermore, the chiefs mentioned that over the period, they had been signing recommendation forms for applicants to be enlisted into the RSLAF but had not directly benefited from the recruitment process.
Before now, the chiefs used to have slots whenever the military is recruiting but that system had long disappeared without explanation. However, BC noted their concern with grave interest and promised to discuss the issue with the RSLAF Senior Management. It was agreed that such meeting will be held in future.