By Hajaratu S. Bangura
At the weekly government press conference hosted by Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, on Tuesday 15th July 2025, Lt. Gen. Amara Idara Bangura, the Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), highlighted key achievements from his first 100 days in office and outlined his vision for the military’s future.
Appointed by President Bio on November 19, 2024, Lt. Gen. Bangura described the immediate challenge he faced upon taking office. His first major accomplishment was developing and securing approval for Sierra Leone’s inaugural National Defense Policy and Strategy through extensive consultations with multiple government agencies and validation by the highest defense bodies including the President.
Lt. Gen. Bangura introduced an innovative dual-engine model to drive the RSLAF forward. While the existing focus was national security, the “second engine” emphasizes the armed forces’ constitutional role in contributing to national development. As part of this vision, the RSLAF is establishing five corporate bodies in sectors such as agriculture and infrastructure. Notably, the military has launched a large-scale farming project in Port Loko and plans to expand rice production by 2026 aiming for self-sufficiency in staple food production.
The RSLAF is also leveraging donated Chinese engineering equipment to enhance infrastructure, constructing feeder roads in key districts and improving urban roads in areas such as Murray Town and Wilberforce. These projects reinforce the military’s commitment to national development beyond traditional defense roles.
Improving soldiers’ welfare has been a priority under Lt. Gen. Bangura’s leadership with significant increases in marriage allowances from 250,000 to 5 million leones approved by the President. Plans are underway to develop estate housing for personnel on prime government land, replacing informal housing arrangements with well-managed communal properties and revenue from which will support welfare initiatives. Refurbishments of barracks and infrastructure upgrades continue across military sites.
In response to questions, Lt. Gen. Bangura affirmed Sierra Leone’s sovereignty over the contested Yenga region but emphasized ongoing diplomatic engagement with neighboring Guinea to avoid conflict, underscoring the preference for peaceful resolution over war. He highlighted a strategic approach combining military readiness with restraint and diplomacy with regional and multilateral actors involved.
Regarding military reform and capability, the CDS detailed the establishment of a tri-service structure: Army, Navy, and Air Force—with independent budgets and command aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and national security. He reiterated the commitment to modernize, equip and reform the forces to maintain Sierra Leone’s status as a peaceful and stable country.
On sensitive issues such as discipline and incidents of fraternization and allegations of sexual abuse within the forces, Lt. Gen. Bangura stressed strict adherence to military and national laws. He clarified that an investigation into a high-profile rape allegation was handed over to the Sierra Leone Police in accordance with current legislation and that internal military disciplinary actions were limited to fraternization issues. The CDS affirmed a zero-tolerance policy and plans to build investigative capacity to better address such cases moving forward.
He also addressed concerns about the welfare of wounded-in-action personnel, clarifying that since the end of armed conflict in 2002, current cases mostly involve injuries sustained during active service. The military continues to manage these welfare needs proactively.
Highlighting his role as Chairman of the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defense Staff Committee, Lt. Gen. Bangura emphasized leveraging regional cooperation to address security challenges, including the Yenga issue under the leadership of President Bio, who serves as ECOWAS chairman.
Lt. Gen. Bangura concluded by inviting ongoing public engagement reassuring Sierra Leoneans of his accessibility and dedication to the well-being of both the military and the nation.
