Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Deputy Minister of Defence (DMD) of Sierra Leone, Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, recently concluded a three-day official visit to various up-country formations of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
The visit, which took place from May 29 to May 31, aimed to express gratitude for the personnel’s sacrifices and to discuss ongoing development initiatives within the military.
During his addresses at the Headquarters of the 4th Infantry Brigade in Makeni, the 5th Infantry Brigade in Bo, and the 2nd Infantry Brigade in Kenema, the DMD conveyed a message of appreciation from His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the RSLAF, Brigadier General (Rtd) Dr. Julius Maada Bio. He stressed on the importance of the troops’ roles in safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity.
A key focus of the Massaquoi’s discussions was the re-introduction of the Tri-Service structure within the RSLAF, a directive from the President aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. “We were having Tri-Service before the war, and the services were effectively conducting operations,” he noted, affirming the constitutional benefits and the apolitical nature of the RSLAF.
Massaquoi also commended Major General AI Bangura, the Chief of Defence Staff, for his strategic leadership and efforts to improve personnel welfare, including increases in the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and support for marriage and funeral assistance.
Among the developmental projects mentioned was the reconstruction of the 34 Military Hospital, which is set to expand from 100 to 600 beds, supported by the First Lady, Fatima Bio. Massaquoi expressed hopes for similar upgrades across all military formations to reduce overseas medical referrals.
Infrastructure developments were also discussed, including the construction of a modern parade ground at the Armed Forces Training Centre (AFTC) and the rehabilitation of Cockerill and Daru Barracks, with support from the People’s Republic of China. Massaquoi assured troops that all barracks would be considered for improvements.
Addressing the issue of education and training, Massaquoi acknowledged delays in conducting Junior and Intermediate Staff Courses due to limited facilities at the Horton Command and Staff College. He announced plans to relocate the college to a larger site in Kerry Town.
In an effort to support the government’s “FEED SALONE Agenda,” the DMD outlined plans for establishing agricultural initiatives, including fish and cashew farms, and noted that RSLAF had received 20 tractors from the Ministry of Agriculture for mechanized farming.
On the topic of Peace Support Operations (PSO), Massaquoi confirmed that procurement of necessary equipment is nearing completion, allowing Sierra Leone to resume its role as a Troops Contributing Country (TCC) in international peacekeeping.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of discipline within the ranks, praising the troops for their improved conduct and urging them to maintain professionalism and positive relations with civilians.
Each visit concluded with a tour of ongoing projects at the respective brigade headquarters, Massaquoi made financial donations to support construction efforts.
At the 5th Infantry Brigade, he visited a rehabilitation center for drug and substance abuse, where he encouraged the victims to embrace recovery and serve as agents of change within their communities.
Overall, the Massaquoi’s visit was met with high morale among the troops, who expressed gratitude for his leadership and the ongoing improvements within the RSLAF. The visit reinforced the commitment of the government to enhance the welfare and operational capabilities of the armed forces.
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