By Emma Black
A United Nations Assessment and Advisory Visit (AAV) Team conducted a two-day evaluation of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to assess their preparedness for international peacekeeping operations. Led by James D’Ercole from the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations in New York, the four-member team, accompanied by British and Canadian observers, reviewed RSLAF’s capabilities in accordance with the UN Statement of Unit Requirements (SUR).
The assessment focused on critical areas, including training, personnel, gender inclusivity, medical facilities, equipment, logistics, and operational readiness to fulfill peacekeeping mandates. The team inspected a range of military assets, including vehicles, arms, ammunition, and other essential equipment. This evaluation follows President and Commander-in-Chief Brigadier-General Julius Maada Bio (Retired)’s 2021 Armed Forces Day commitment to restore RSLAF’s participation in global peacekeeping missions.
To support this pledge, President Bio has secured significant peacekeeping equipment through international engagements. Notably, the African Union recently donated military hardware valued at approximately USD 10 million, including armored infantry carrier vehicles, armored ambulances, military protective assault vehicles, troop carriers, heavy-duty cargo trucks, water and fuel bowsers, SUV jeeps, military combat jeeps, and forklifts. These assets are intended to bolster RSLAF’s capacity for peacekeeping operations worldwide.
In preparation for the UN assessment, Lieutenant-General Amara Idara Bangura, Chief of Defence Staff, established a 200-person peacekeeping contingent, comprising both men and women, which underwent rigorous training at the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC). The UN AAV Team’s visit was requested to evaluate the contingent’s readiness as training neared completion.
Sierra Leone has a storied history of peacekeeping participation. In 1961, RSLAF contributed to the United Nations Operations in Congo (UNOC), marking its first major peacekeeping mission in Africa. In 1990, RSLAF deployed to Liberia under the ECOWAS Military Observers Group (ECOMOG) to support the Liberian government against rebel forces. However, in 1998, Sierra Leone withdrew its troops from Liberia following a military coup led by Major Johnny Paul Koroma in 1997, which was later reversed by Nigerian-led ECOMOG forces under Brigadier-General Maxwell Mitikishe Khobe, reinstating President Alhaji Ahmad Tejan Kabbah.
In 2010, Sierra Leone participated in the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), deploying the Sierra Leone Reconnaissance Company (SRC 1) to address ethnic violence and support humanitarian efforts. Sierra Leone rotated five contingents in UNAMID, with Brigadier-General Komba Sylvester Mansa-Musa Mondeh appointed as Sector Commander and, on several occasions, acting Force Commander the first Sierra Leonean to hold such a role in an international peacekeeping mission. The mission scaled down in 2013 due to operational adjustments.
In 2013, Sierra Leone deployed the Sierra Leone Battalion (LEOBATT 1), comprising 850 personnel, to Somalia under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). As the first non-East African Troop Contributing Country in AMISOM, Sierra Leone’s contingent operated in Kismayo, Tabda, and Dobley, earning the distinction of commanding AMISOM Sector 2 under Brigadier-General Tamba Rodnic Allieu. However, the contingent was withdrawn in 2014 following the Ebola outbreak, which prompted the Somali government to reject troop rotations from affected countries due to health concerns.
The recent UN assessment marks a significant step toward fulfilling President Bio’s vision of re-establishing Sierra Leone as a key contributor to global peacekeeping. For further details on RSLAF, visit the Ministry of Defence/Republic of Sierra Leone Armed
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 13th October 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
