Expo Magazine
By Colonel ABS Mansaray, Director Policy and Strategy – Defence Headquarters
As the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) commemorates the 100-day milestone of Major General Amara Idara Bangura’s tenure as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the nation reflects on a transformative chapter in its defence history. At the heart of this renewal lies the landmark National Defence Policy and Strategy (NDPS), a visionary blueprint that redefines Sierra Leone’s security architecture as a catalyst for national prosperity.
From Legacy to Transformation
For decades, Sierra Leone’s defence sector relied on the foundational 2004 Defence White Paper, a critical yet limited framework born from post-conflict Security Sector Reform. Today, under the CDS’s leadership, the NDPS emerges as a bold evolution—a strategic fusion of security and development, aligning with President Julius Maada Bio’s philosophy: “Without stability, development stalls; without development, security remains fragile.” This policy not only modernizes the RSLAF but positions it as a proactive force in achieving the nation’s Medium-Term Development Plan (2024–2030), targeting agriculture, infrastructure, youth empowerment, and governance.
Pillars of Progress: Security and Development
The NDPS rests on two interlocking pillars. First, is to strengthen internal security through advanced capabilities in border protection, counterterrorism, maritime defence, and cyber security. The establishment of a mechanized Commando Regiment and the integration of cutting-edge C5ISR systems underscore the RSLAF’s leap into tech-driven operational readiness. Second, accelerating national development sees the military transitioning from a “consumer” to a “producer” of national wealth. Initiatives like the Armed Forces Agricultural Unit (AFAU), which boosts rice production for food security, and the Defence Tailoring Industry (DTI), which slashes uniform import costs, exemplify this shift. Meanwhile, the 34 Military Hospital’s upgrade to a Level III facility bridges civilian-military healthcare gaps, embodying the RSLAF’s dual role as protector and nation-builder.
Gender Parity and Global Partnerships
Major General Bangura’s leadership has propelled gender inclusivity to unprecedented heights. Female representation in the RSLAF now stands at 13.3%, with women constituting 36.7% of Sierra Leone’s UN peacekeepers—surpassing global targets. This commitment to equity is matched by strategic international engagement. Through partnerships with the UN, African Union, and ECOWAS, the RSLAF amplifies its role in regional stability while attracting investment via defence diplomacy and public-private collaborations.
Force 2035: A Tri-Service Vision
The NDPS heralds Force 2035, a restructuring initiative that transforms the RSLAF into a tri-service entity (Army, Navy, Air Force) equipped for 21st-century challenges. This modernization drive, coupled with fiscal discipline and innovative financing, ensures that defence spending aligns with national priorities.
A Call to Collective Action
As Sierra Leone celebrates 100 days of dynamic leadership under the CDS, the NDPS stands as a testament to what is possible when foresight meets action. The road ahead demands collaboration—between citizens, government, and international allies—to fully realize a future where security and prosperity are indivisible. In the words of President Bio: “A secure nation is, above all, a prosperous one.” With the NDPS as its compass and Major General Bangura at the helm, Sierra Leone’s defence sector is not merely evolving—it is leading a revolution.
Here’s to the next 100 days, and the dawn of a safer, stronger Sierra Leone.
This article is dedicated to the men and women of the RSLAF, whose dedication continues to safeguard our nation’s peace and fuel its progress.
Copyright –Published in Expo Magazine, March-April 2025 Edition Vol.3, No.3, (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)