Sierra Leone Army Disburses Cash to Coup Soldiers

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Sierra Leone Army Disburses Cash to Coup Soldiers
Sierra Leone Army Disburses Cash to Coup Soldiers

Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces has disbursed more than Le 116,000 to 36 military personnel convicted for their involvement in the failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023.

The total payment, amounting to Le 116,573, was made through the Armed Forces Endowment and Loan Scheme as part of the convicts’ Cash Value Benefits.

This disbursement took place on May 21, 2025, at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre in Freetown, where custodial authorities were present to oversee the process. Each soldier received their allocated benefit personally, adhering to the established AFELS policy, which ensures that entitled personnel receive their funds directly.

The Cash Value Benefit is a statutory entitlement designed for military personnel who resign, retire, or are dismissed, including those dismissed due to criminal convictions. The amount each individual receives is calculated based on their contributions over a minimum of two years, with an additional 25% interest added. However, for those who contributed for less than two years, the interest is forfeited, meaning they only receive the total of their contributions.

AFELS, which was officially launched in January 2022, forms part of a broader military reform agenda initiated by President Brigadier General (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio. Since taking office in April 2018, President Bio has focused on modernizing the RSLAF, aiming to transform it into a professional and financially resilient force. As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Defence Council, his commitment to reform is evident in the establishment of programs like AFELS, which seeks to provide support to military personnel.

This recent disbursement underscores the RSLAF’s efforts to uphold its policies, even in the context of legal challenges faced by some of its soldiers.

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