By Saidu Jalloh
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Major General AI Bangura, addressed troops in the Western Area at the Defence Headquarters, Cockerill Barracks. His address focused on his accomplishments, ongoing reforms, and aspirations for the RSLAF. He also extended greetings from the Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel (Rtd) MB Massaquoi, as well as from His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, and Minister of Defence, Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr Julius Maada Bio (GCRSL), to all personnel.
In his address, the CDS informed the troops that upon assuming governance of Sierra Leone on 11 February 2019, His Excellency the President, in his wisdom, deemed it necessary to revert the RSLAF to its former Tri-Service structure. Furthermore, during the 2025 Armed Forces Day Celebration, the President directed the leadership of the RSLAF to fully implement the reversion to a Tri-Service structure for the Army, Navy, and Air Force, effective immediately.
Major General AI Bangura acknowledged that the previous Joint Force Command arrangement was not in the best interest of the RSLAF, particularly due to the lack of a well-established Navy and Air Force. For years, the Armed Forces had longed for such reforms, which are now being realized with the current reversion to the Tri-Service structure, as directed by the President and Commander-in-Chief. He emphasized that this is a significant reform and that the RSLAF is already operating in line with the Constitution of Sierra Leone.
The CDS stressed, “Leaders should have the liberty, interest, and will to push these reforms forward.” He further noted that, according to the Constitution, the Armed Forces are expected to contribute to the nation’s development while protecting the country’s sovereignty. As part of the ongoing reforms, Major General Bangura outlined several key initiatives, including the establishment of the Training, Doctrine, and Command (TRADOC) unit, the Service Support Command (SSCOM), the Combat Support Brigade, and the Defence Enterprise Scheme. These measures will enable the RSLAF to gradually reduce its dependence on the government, moving the forces toward greater self-sufficiency.
He called on all officers, men, and women of the RSLAF to take ownership of these reforms, stressing that “change is now visible in the Armed Forces.” Major General Bangura also emphasized the need for the Sierra Leone Army, Navy, and Air Force to work in harmony to achieve greater progress.
The CDS then shifted focus to welfare concerns, highlighting the immediate steps his administration has taken to address some of the most pressing issues faced by soldiers and their families. Among these efforts, he pointed to the construction of boreholes at the Murray Town and Wilberforce Barracks to resolve water shortages in these areas. He also approved an 82% increase in the Funeral Purse for deceased personnel, raising the amount from Leones Eight Hundred and Twenty (NLe 820.00) to Leones Ten Thousand (NLe 10,000.00). Additionally, he endorsed the allocation of 10% of unit/formation fuel quotas to Brigade Sergeant Majors (BSMs) and Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs), along with marriage assistance for troops.
Furthermore, the CDS highlighted efforts to improve mobility for troops, including the introduction of a bus service for the Western Area. His administration has also made significant strides in infrastructure development, such as the reconstruction of roads at the Murray Town and Wilberforce Barracks. Additionally, he noted that the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and Monthly Running Cost (MRC) for operations and administration of formations, units, and departments have been substantially increased, further boosting the morale of the troops and improving operational efficiency.
In terms of policy and future aspirations, Major General Bangura announced that the first RSLAF National Defence and Strategy Policy is now ready for the Defence Council’s attention. He also discussed the ongoing process of enacting a gender-sensitive Veteran Bill. Looking ahead, the CDS shared his plans for the development of aquatic fishing, the cultivation of cashew farms, and the establishment of estates for service personnel. Additionally, he mentioned the building of shops within the barracks, support from the African Union worth $9.5 million for peace support operations, and his aspiration to make the 34 Military Hospital one of the best in the sub-region. As part of this effort, thirty (30) specialist doctors from Cuba are set to arrive in the country to assist in managing the hospital.
In conclusion, Major General AI Bangura urged all troops to maintain discipline, which he identified as the hallmark of the Armed Forces. He advised them to avoid the use of dangerous drugs and to embrace the reform process for the greater good of the RSLAF. He underscored the need for troops to “serve, obey, and follow lawful instructions.”
During the address, personnel raised several questions, mostly concerning welfare, annual leave allowances, and delays in the payment of death benefits to the families of deceased personnel. Other troops commended the CDS for his prompt intervention in addressing critical welfare issues within just 100 days of his tenure. The CDS provided thorough responses to all the questions posed by the troops.