Major GeneralAmara Idara Bangura Speaking at House in December, 2024 after taking oath of office

By Defence Headquarters Public Relations/Media Team 

As Major General Amara Idara Bangura marks 100 days as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), his tenure has already reshaped the landscape of military welfare, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the well-being of personnel and their families. From infrastructure revitalization to life-changing community projects, the CDS’s welfare-centric leadership has set a new standard for compassionate command, earning admiration across barracks and beyond.

Mobility and Morale: A New Era of Connectivity

Understanding that mobility is critical to operational efficiency and troop morale, Major General Bangura prioritized transportation reforms. Two dedicated RSLAF Town Service Buses now traverse Freetown’s East and West Ends, offering free transit for personnel with legal welfare passes. These buses connect key locations—from 7 Battalion to Lumley and Hastings Toll Gate to Wallace Johnson Street—ensuring soldiers no longer face the indignity of being stranded en route to duty. Additionally, 50 new motorbikes have been deployed to enhance border security operations and intelligence-gathering capabilities. These initiatives not only streamline logistics but also reaffirm the CDS’s pledge to dignified service through practical solutions.

 Water for Life: Ending Decades of Scarcity

Water shortages, a chronic issue in RSLAF barracks, met a swift resolution under the CDS’s leadership. In just three months, 19 solar-powered boreholes were constructed across Murray Town, Juba, and Wilberforce Barracks, delivering clean water to thousands of military families. The impact transcends convenience: at Murray Town Barracks, a Mammy Queen highlighted how access to water within the community reduces risks for young girls, stating, “This will curb teenage pregnancy, as our daughters no longer wander far in search of water.” Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel (Rtd) MB Massaquoi symbolically commissioned the boreholes, emphasizing their alignment with the government’s Health and Food Security goals.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  MURRAY TOWN BARRACKS COMMUNITY ENJOYS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED BOREHOLE FACILITIES PROVIDED BY CDS-RSLAF MAJOR GENERAL AI BANGURA

Rebuilding Foundations: Roads, Facilities, and Pride

The CDS’s infrastructural overhaul has transformed dilapidated barracks into hubs of pride and functionality. The reconstruction of Murray Town Barracks Road—a project neglected for over two decades—has alleviated daily hardships for soldiers and families, with former 3 Infantry Brigade Commander Brigadier General Albert Jusu lauding it as a “morale-lifting milestone.” Similarly, the rehabilitation of Wilberforce Barracks roads, construction of a squash court at Myohaung Officers’ Mess, and upgrades to training facilities at the National Defence Training Academy (NDTA) and Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) reflect a holistic approach to welfare. Even ceremonial spaces like the Presidential Pavilion and Drill Square at NDTA have been revitalized, symbolizing renewed institutional pride.

Health, Dignity, and Compassion

The CDS’s empathy extends to healthcare and bereavement support. The 34 Military Hospital saw a heart-warming gesture as senior MoD/RSLAF officials, led by the Deputy Minister of Defence, distributed New Year gifts to patients, embodying the spirit of solidarity. Furthermore, the Funeral Purse for deceased personnel was increased by 82% (from NLe 820.00 to NLe 10,000.00), easing financial burdens on grieving families. The hospital itself is undergoing transformation into a Level III facility, promising advanced care for both military and civilian populations.

Fuelling Efficiency and Family Welfare

Innovative policies like allocating 10% of unit fuel quotas to Brigade Sergeant Majors (BSMs) and Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) ensure smoother operations, while initiatives such as the Defence Tailoring Industry (DTI) reduce uniform import costs and create jobs. These measures underscore the CDS’s dual focus on fiscal responsibility and troop welfare.

A Community Transformed

The CDS’s achievements are not merely infrastructural but deeply human. By listening to soldiers and families—whether through addressing water scarcity, upgrading roads, or enhancing healthcare—Major General Bangura has fostered trust and unity. As one soldier’s wife at Wilberforce Barracks remarked during the borehole commissioning: “Our children’s education and well-being are no longer compromised. This is dignity restored.”

 The Road Ahead

In 100 days, the CDS has proven that welfare is the cornerstone of a resilient, motivated force. His vision—a blend of pragmatic leadership and heartfelt empathy—has set a precedent for future command. As Sierra Leone’s military families thrive, so too does the nation’s security.

 Here’s to 100 days of transformative leadership—and to a future where every soldier’s sacrifice is met with unwavering support.

Dedicated to the brave men and women of the RSLAF and their families, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire a nation.

Copyright –Published in Expo Magazine,  March-April 2025 Edition Vol.3, No.3, (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)