Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a move aimed at addressing chronic housing shortages within the military, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has initiated plans to sell high-value properties in key urban areas, such as Juba, with the proceeds dedicated to building thousands of new housing units for personnel.
The announcement, made by Air Commodore Hassan Sei Coomber, Chief of Air Staff and Defence Spokesperson, highlights a strategic effort to centralize troops and boost operational efficiency amid growing demands on the force.
Air Commodore Coomber described the accommodation deficit as a significant operational and administrative hurdle affecting the RSLAF nationwide.
He disclosed that around 70% of military personnel currently reside outside barracks due to severe shortages, which complicates rapid mobilization during emergencies.
“There are instances when personnel are required for urgent operations. If they reside outside the barracks, it becomes difficult to reach and assemble them promptly,” Coomber explained in a recent interview.
The strategy involves divesting properties in prime locations like Juba Barracks, a site with deep historical and strategic importance dating back to colonial times and serving as a key military hub in Freetown’s western area.
The funds will support the construction of modern quarters to house more troops, fostering better discipline, cohesion, and readiness.
This comes as the RSLAF has expanded its responsibilities in recent years, including internal security operations and contributions to international peacekeeping missions under the United Nations and African Union, yet infrastructure upgrades have lagged behind personnel growth.
The decision has received formal approval from the Ministry of Defence and the Defense Council, with negotiations for the sales already underway.
Personnel from Juba Barracks are slated for relocation to expanded facilities in Murray Town, where additional land has been acquired to accommodate the move. However, details on the sale terms, exact timeline, or potential buyers remain undisclosed, raising questions about transparency.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions across Sierra Leone. Supporters view it as a pragmatic solution to a longstanding issue, arguing that reinvesting in purpose-built housing will enhance the force’s effectiveness and provide personnel with accommodations worthy of their national service. Critics, including opposition voices and some civil society groups, have labeled the move “shameful,” expressing concerns over the disposal of state-owned strategic assets in high-value real estate zones. They warn of potential long-term risks to national security, especially given past issues with land encroachment on military properties, such as the over 30 acres reportedly illegally occupied at Juba Barracks in recent years.
This initiative unfolds under the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) administration, led by President Julius Maada Bio, a former military officer himself. It echoes earlier efforts to improve military welfare, such as the 2016 commissioning of new barracks in Gondama by then-President Ernest Bai Koroma, which addressed similar housing woes.
