By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
Sierra Leone has Tuesday the 13th January 2026, formalised a new security partnership with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) after signing a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening the country’s counter-terrorism framework and enhancing regional security cooperation.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday at the Freetown International Conference Centre, Bintumani, during a high-level ceremony marking the official launch of the IMCTC Strategic Initiative in Sierra Leone. The partnership is expected to improve national preparedness against emerging security threats, particularly those linked to growing instability in the Sahel region.
Under the MOU, the IMCTC will provide specialised training to personnel of Sierra Leone’s defence and security forces. The programme will also involve engagement with religious leaders, including Imams and Pastors, to promote counter-extremism awareness and prevent radicalisation. Support will further be provided to strengthen anti-money laundering systems to curb terrorist financing.
The MOU was signed by the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, and the IMCTC Secretary-General, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
National Security Coordinator Abdulai Caulker described the initiative as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s security efforts, reaffirming the country’s commitment to intelligence-led cooperation and collective action against terrorism.
Minister of Internal Affairs Morie Lengor said terrorism and violent extremism remain serious threats across Sub-Saharan Africa and stressed the importance of regional and international coordination.
IMCTC Secretary-General Major General Al-Moghedi emphasised that terrorism is a global challenge requiring integrated partnerships and cross-border solutions.
As part of the initiative, a three-week intensive training programme will be delivered to selected members of the security forces, focusing on explosive ordnance disposal and practical counter-terrorism response operations.
The ceremony concluded with remarks from the Chief of Defence Staff, who reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening national and regional security through strategic international cooperation.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 16th January 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
