In a statement issued on Monday, 8 January 2024, the Ministry of Defense and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) disclosed that they have concluded investigations into 48 RSLAF Personnel, leading to their compulsory discharge.
This action was taken due to their active involvement in an illicit WhatsApp Group known as the JOINT KALAMERA PEACE AND SECURITY NETWORK (JKPSN).
The revelation comes as the Court Martial Pre-trial Session for 27 RSLAF Personnel unfolds at Court No. 1, Main Law Court Building, Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown. The accused RSLAF Personnel were charged with various offences for their alleged roles in the 26th November 2023 failed coup d’etat. The charges include but are not limited to Mutiny, Failure to suppress mutiny, Murder, Aiding the enemy, Communicating with the enemy and other relevant offences.
The 48 discharged individuals were found to be in violation of the existing policies of the Armed Forces, which strictly prohibit serving personnel from participating in pressure groups or engaging in critical political discussions.
The said WhatsApp group members were discovered to be engaged in subversive activities with the aim of destabilizing the democratically elected government of His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the RSLAF, Brigadier General (Retired) Dr Julius Maada Bio.
“This constitutes a blatant violation of the Oath of Allegiance, RSLAF Rules, Regulations and Policies,” RSLAF stated.
“It has also been established that the actions and behavior of those involved as active members of the illegal WhatsApp group adversely impacted on the operational effectiveness of the RSLAF and potentially damaged command trust, management and leadership relationship.”
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, collaborating with the MoD/RSLAF Public Relations and Information Unit, pledges to keep the public updated on both the Court Martial proceedings and the administrative discharge procedures as they continue to unfold.
