By Dadson A Mus
Newly promoted Chief of Defence Staff Lieutenant-General Amara Idara Bangura
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio has officially conferred high military ranks on the newly appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, alongside Major General S.D.T. Ngaujah, Major General K.T. Sesay, and other senior officers during a formal ceremony held at State House.
A public notice issued from State House on the 2nd of July, 2025 announced that, on the advice of the Defence Council, it has pleased His Excellency and Commander-in-Chief of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Brigadier-General (Rtd) Julius Maada Bio to promote the following senior military officers:
- Major General Amara Idara Bangura, who is the current Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), now promoted to Lieutenant-General
- Brigadier-General Sahr David Thomas Ngaujah, who is the current Chief of General Staff (CGS), now promoted to Major General
- Brigadier-General Kemoh Tewoh Sesay, who is the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), now promoted Major General
- Captain (N) Lawrence Kapina Jabbati, who is the current Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), now promoted to Commodore.
On Thursday, 10 July 2025, the event featured a solemn decoration and oath-taking ceremony, where the Secretary to the President, Mr. Baba Fortune, explained that the promotions were made following the Defence Council’s recommendation and with the President’s approval. The officers pledged their allegiance and commitment in keeping with military traditions.
Speaking on behalf of the newly promoted officers, Lieutenant General Bangura expressed deep gratitude to President Bio for his confidence and leadership.
On behalf of our families and fellow generals, we sincerely thank President Bio for his unwavering trust and dedication to the welfare of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. This recognition has greatly boosted morale and strengthened unity within our ranks, Lt. Gen. Bangura stated.
President Bio congratulated the officers on their well-earned promotions, acknowledging their discipline, dedication, and sacrifices.
Promotion in the armed forces is not just an honor it is a call to greater responsibility. You have earned these ranks through your service and commitment. I urge you to lead with the integrity and unity that Sierra Leone needs, the President said.
He emphasized the vital role the senior military leadership plays in safeguarding the nation’s peace and stability.
You are the guardians of the peace we cherish. This duty demands vigilance, loyalty, and steadfast leadership to ensure a secure environment where every Sierra Leonean can thrive, President Bio added.
The ceremony also included the reading of citations by the Director General of the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Charles Cooper, who highlighted the exemplary service records and promising leadership futures of the promoted officers.
The occasion marks a renewed commitment from Sierra Leone’s highest leadership to bolster the strength, morale, and professionalism of the country’s armed forces as key pillars of national security and development.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,14th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
