Freetown – Sierra Leone has taken a major step toward deploying its forces to Haiti after signing a medical evacuation agreement with the Dominican Republic.
The deal, inked on Friday in New York by Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the United States, Amara Sowa, sets out clear arrangements for the emergency medical evacuation and repatriation of Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) personnel serving under the United Nations-backed mission in Haiti.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding, the Dominican Republic will serve as a transit hub for wounded soldiers, the return of injured or deceased personnel, and the coordination of emergency protocols.
Officials say the arrangement provides the necessary medical safety net for Sierra Leonean troops assigned to the Gang Suppression Force (GSF).
The signing builds on earlier talks held in New York between 8 and 10 June 2026. A Sierra Leonean delegation led by Deputy Finance Minister Kadiatu Allie met the Standing Group of Partners of the United Nations Support Operations in Haiti. Discussions centred on reimbursement for Contingent Owned Equipment for two specialised units:
– Special Forces Company (SOFCOY) – 150 personnel
– Border Control Company (BCCOY) – 150 personnel
Both units are expected to deploy under the GSF by the end of 2026.
Authorities describe the medical evacuation agreement as a key milestone that will help accelerate Sierra Leone’s deployment timeline. The country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, is scheduled to sign two further protocols to complete the remaining arrangements before the troops leave for Haiti.
