By Brigadier General KT Sesay, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS)
The appointment of Major General Amara Idara Bangura as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) marked the dawn of a transformative era for our institution. As we commemorate his first 100 days in office, it is with profound pride that I reflect on his visionary leadership, which has reinvigorated our armed forces and reaffirmed our commitment to national security, welfare, and excellence.
Strategic Foundations: National Defence and Veteran Priorities
Under General Bangura’s stewardship, the RSLAF has witnessed the formulation of the National Defence and Strategy Policy—a landmark blueprint that aligns our military objectives with Sierra Leone’s sovereignty and regional stability. This policy underscores proactive defence planning, ensuring our forces remain agile in addressing emerging threats while safeguarding national interests.
Equally transformative is the Veteran Bill Policy, a historic initiative to honor the service and sacrifices of retired personnel. By institutionalizing support for veterans, General Bangura has reaffirmed that the RSLAF’s gratitude extends beyond active duty, cementing a legacy of dignity for those who have served.
Welfare as a Cornerstone of Progress
The CDS’s leadership is defined by an unwavering focus on the well-being of personnel. His review of the Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and Monthly Running Costs (MRC) has directly enhanced living standards for troops, ensuring they are adequately resourced to fulfil their duties. Equally impactful is the augmentation of funeral support for bereaved families, a compassionate measure that honours the ultimate sacrifice of our fallen heroes.
Recognizing the human dimension of service, General Bangura introduced marriage assistance programs and allocated a 10% fuel quota to Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs), easing logistical burdens and fostering morale. These initiatives epitomize his belief that a supported force is an effective force.
Infrastructure and Institutional Legacy
Tangible progress is evident in the rehabilitation of roads and provision of safe drinking water within Western Area barracks. These infrastructural upgrades not only improve daily life for soldiers and their families but also symbolize the CDS’s commitment to creating environments conducive to professionalism and pride.
Tri-Service Transformation: A Unified Force for the Future
General Bangura’s leadership has accelerated the RSLAF’s transition to a Tri-Service structure—a strategic shift mandated by His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio in 2019. Departing from the legacy Joint Force Command (JFC), this model unifies the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a cohesive framework, enhancing interoperability and rapid response capabilities. The establishment of the Tri-Service Implementation Committee, chaired by the Chief of Air Staff, has been pivotal in designing strategies for an “affordable, agile, and accountable” force. This restructured command hierarchy ensures seamless coordination across land, maritime, and aerial domains, empowering RSLAF to address modern threats with precision.
Collaboration: The Bedrock of Success
None of these milestones would have been achievable without the collective efforts of the Deputy Minister of Defence, the Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Service Chiefs, the Chief of General Staff, and Assistant Chiefs of Defence Staff at the Defence Headquarters. Their synergy with General Bangura’s vision exemplifies the power of unity in advancing institutional goals.
A Call to Sustained Excellence
As we celebrate these achievements, I urge every member of the RSLAF to uphold the values of patience, professionalism, and loyalty to our democratically elected government and the people of Sierra Leone. The discipline and dedication of our personnel remain the backbone of our progress.
Major General Bangura’s first 100 days have set a precedent for transformative leadership. His initiatives have not only addressed immediate needs but laid a foundation for long-term institutional strength. As CoAS, I am confident that under his guidance, the RSLAF will continue to evolve into a beacon of security, innovation, and service.
Conclusion
The future is indeed bright for our armed forces. Together, we march forward—steadfast in duty, united in purpose, and unwavering in our commitment to Sierra Leone.
Copyright –Published in Expo Magazine, March-April 2025 Edition Vol.3, No.3, (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)