Freetown, January 13, 2026 — Sierra Leone has formalised a new security partnership with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at reinforcing the country’s counter-terrorism framework and boosting regional security collaboration.
The agreement was signed on Tuesday during a high-level ceremony at the Freetown International Conference Centre at Bintumani, coinciding with the official launch of the IMCTC Strategic Initiative in Sierra Leone.
The move is expected to enhance national preparedness against emerging security risks, particularly those linked to instability in the Sahel region.
Under the MOU, the IMCTC will provide specialised training for personnel of Sierra Leone’s defence and security forces. Trained officers will, in turn, engage religious leaders—including Imams and Pastors—to promote counter-extremism awareness and help prevent the spread of radical ideologies. The partnership also includes support for strengthening anti-money laundering systems to curb terrorist financing.
The MOU was signed by the Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, and the IMCTC Secretary-General, Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi.
Speaking at the event, National Security Coordinator at the Office of National Security, Abdulai Caulker, described the initiative as a major milestone in Sierra Leone’s security journey. He welcomed the IMCTC’s decision to launch its strategy in Freetown and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to intelligence-led cooperation and collective action against terrorism.
Minister of Internal Affairs, Morie Lengor, noted that terrorism and violent extremism continue to pose serious threats across Sub-Saharan Africa.
He emphasised that regional and international coordination remains critical to preventing the expansion of extremist networks, adding that the IMCTC-supported training would strengthen professionalism within Sierra Leone’s security sector.
IMCTC Secretary-General Major General Al-Moghedi praised the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their hospitality and stressed the importance of integrated partnerships in confronting terrorism, which he described as a global challenge requiring cross-border solutions. He also acknowledged the role of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in supporting the coalition’s activities.
Providing background on the coalition, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Barrie, said the IMCTC was established in December 2015 to counter extremist ideologies, promote unity among Islamic nations, and challenge the misrepresentation of Islam. He called for expanded cooperation, including the establishment of a counter-terrorism centre in Freetown, enhanced research and information sharing, and public diplomacy to counter extremist narratives.
Representing the Minister of Defence and President Julius Maada Bio, Deputy Minister of Defence Colonel (Rtd.) Muana Brima Massaquoi expressed appreciation to Saudi Arabia’s leadership for championing the IMCTC. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s position that terrorism is a transnational threat requiring shared responsibility, coordinated intelligence, and sustained partnerships.
As part of the initiative, a three-week intensive training programme will be delivered to selected members of the security forces.
The programme will focus on identifying and safely disposing of unexploded ordnance and improvised explosive devices, with the final phase covering practical counter-terrorism operations and response procedures in public and high-risk environments.
The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Bangura, who reiterated Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening national and regional security through strategic international cooperation.
