By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has commissioned 1,017 newly trained soldiers and officer cadets into the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), marking what he described as a defining moment in the country’s democratic and security trajectory, the ceremony, which brought together government officials, defence partners, military leadership, and families of the graduates, underscored the administration’s push to professionalise and strengthen the force.
The graduating cohort comprises 89 officer cadets and 949 soldiers, including 212 female recruits and 15 female officer cadets figures President Bio hailed as historic progress for women in the armed forces. The trainees underwent nine months of rigorous preparation at the Armed Forces Training Centre and the peace mission training centre, a number of recruits were dismissed for drug-related and disciplinary offences, resulting in the final qualifying total of 1,017.
In his keynote address, President Bio said Sierra Leone stands taller, pr prouder, and more secure” with the commissioning of the new personnel. Reflecting on his own journey from cadet to soldier, Brigadier General, and ultimately commander-in-Chief, he commended the graduates for their discipline, endurance, and resilience throughout the training process.
He extended heartfelt appreciation to the chief of defence staff, instructors, commandants, and the families who provided unwavering support, the president also paid tribute to fallen heroes and wounded servicemen and women whose sacrifices, he said, are the foundation of the peace Sierra Leone enjoys today.
President Bio emphasized that the rise in female participation is a significant milestone, reaffirming his government’s dedication to broadening opportunities for women in command positions, engineering, operations, and peacekeeping missions. He noted that the modern security landscape characterized by terrorism, cyber threats, climate-induced instability, and shifting regional dynamics requires a professional, highly disciplined, and forward-looking military.
Acknowledging the contributions of ECOWAS, the African union, the united Nations, and numerous bilateral partners, President Bio highlighted the importance of sustained international cooperation in strengthening Sierra Leone’s defence capabilities, from training and logistics to peacekeeping operations.
In one of the ceremony’s most striking declarations, President Bio stated firmly that the era of military involvement in Sierra Leone’s national politics “is over.” He reminded the newly minted officers and soldiers that their loyalty must remain with the Constitution and their duty rooted in safeguarding the will of the people.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving military welfare, modernising equipment, and deepening training opportunities at all levels, the President urged the graduates to serve with integrity, patriotism, and professionalism.
Wear your uniform with pride and defend the unity and stability of our nation,” he said. “If a young cadet from Tihun could rise to Brigadier General and now President, then your futures, too, are filled with limitless possibilities.
The commissioning of the 1,017 personnel marks a renewed chapter for the RSLAF, reinforcing national stability and strengthening Sierra Leone’s readiness to confront emerging security challenges both at home and across the region.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 15th December 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
