Freetown, Sierra Leone – February 18, 2026 – President Julius Maada Bio, a retired brigadier general and former military leader who briefly served as head of state in 1996 before transitioning to civilian rule, has approved a significant 25% salary increase for all ranks within the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).
The raise, set to take effect in April 2026, was unveiled during his keynote address at the annual Armed Forces Day event held at Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown.
In his speech, President Bio described the increment as a “recognition of the military’s unwavering service, an investment in their morale, and a reaffirmation of the nation’s trust in their dedication.”
He emphasized the RSLAF’s critical role in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s sovereignty, particularly in the post-civil war era following the devastating 1991-2002 conflict that left the country rebuilding its institutions.
The armed forces, reformed with international assistance including from the United Kingdom, have since contributed to regional peacekeeping missions under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations, earning praise for their professionalism.
This latest pay adjustment builds on previous efforts to support military personnel. Just last year, in April 2025, the government implemented a 15% salary hike for the RSLAF as outlined in the 2025 national budget, alongside recruitments and investments in health infrastructure for service members.
The successive increases come amid Sierra Leone’s economic recovery, where inflation rates have shown signs of stabilization after peaking at 47.7% in 2023 and easing to an estimated 9.4% in 2025. Economists suggest such measures help offset the lingering effects of high living costs, bolstering retention and operational readiness in a force of approximately 8,500 personnel.
President Bio has directed the Chief of Defense Staff and the Director General of the Ministry of Defense to oversee the full implementation of the raise, ensuring timely disbursement to all eligible members.
Adding to the day’s significance, the President launched Sierra Leone’s new National Defense Policy and Strategy during the ceremony. Described as a “roadmap for a secure, resilient, and confident nation,” the document aligns with this year’s Armed Forces Day theme: “Rebuilding the RSLAF through Strategic Transformation for Enhanced National Security and Development in Sierra Leone.” The policy outlines priorities such as modernizing equipment, enhancing training, and integrating the military into national development initiatives like disaster response and infrastructure projects.
The government has not yet detailed the budgetary implications, but officials indicate it will be incorporated into the upcoming fiscal planning.
