By Sulaiman Jalloh
Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, has announced a strategic shift in the mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), expanding its role beyond traditional defense to focus on the welfare and economic empowerment of military personnel.
Speaking at the government’s weekly press briefing on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, in Freetown, General Bangura revealed that five independent corporate entities have been registered operating outside the conventional military command structure to spearhead ventures in agriculture, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship.
With agriculture as a flagship program under President Julius Maada Bio’s administration, the RSLAF has launched a 1,000-hectare cashew plantation in Port Loko District. The initiative aims to position Sierra Leone as the leading cashew producer in West Africa by 2026. The army is also working toward rice self-sufficiency, with a target to completely end rice procurement by the same year.
General Bangura disclosed that the RSLAF is now actively competing for national infrastructure projects. Ongoing efforts include constructing feeder roads connecting Mile 91 to Buedu and Koindu, as well as developing internal road networks within military barracks
Improving the living conditions of military personnel remains a top priority under General Bangura’s leadership. With strong backing from President Bio, the RSLAF is implementing wide-ranging reforms, including improved housing, better access to clean water, and enhanced financial support for military families.
One of the key reforms includes a substantial increase in the marriage contribution for officers from NLe250 to NLe5,000. Additionally, plans are underway to construct commercial shops near military barracks to create income-generating opportunities for military families. A new real estate project is also being rolled out to develop permanent housing units for serving officers.
General Bangura concluded by reaffirming the army’s commitment to national development, promising that these new initiatives would enhance not only the livelihoods of soldiers but also contribute to the country’s broader economic goals.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News Monday,21th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
