By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, 27 October 2025 — In a landmark move to enhance the welfare and operational readiness of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura has completed his maiden nationwide tour, addressing critical issues affecting troops and unveiling a series of development initiatives.
The tour, which covered military installations in Lungi, Kabala, Kono, Makeni, Bo, Pujehun, Jendema, Zimmi, Kenema, and Daru, was aimed at familiarizing the CDS with conditions on the ground and communicating the strides made under his leadership, with support from His Excellency President and Commander-in-Chief, Retired Brigadier General Julius Maada Bio.
Infrastructure and Welfare Boosts
During his engagements, CDS Bangura announced several welfare improvements:
- Implementation of the Tri-service Plan
- Deployment of engineering equipment for feeder road construction
- Increases in the Funeral Purse, Marriage Assistance, Ration Cash Allowance (RCA), and Monthly Running Cost (MRC)
- Allocation of 10% fuel quota to Brigade and Regiment Sergeant Majors
- Construction of boreholes at Wilberforce, Murray Town, and Juba Barracks
- Introduction of town service buses for Western Area troops
He also approved a fuel allocation of 100 litres for all Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) personnel.
Peacekeeping and Agriculture
On international operations, the CDS revealed that a UN Assessment and Advisory Visit (AAV) Team had recently evaluated RSLAF’s peacekeeping readiness. He noted that 75% of the required equipment had been secured through diplomatic efforts led by the President.
In agriculture, RSLAF is actively cultivating cashew, fish, and rice. A 550-acre cashew farm in Mabalay (Port Loko District) and a 250-acre fish farm in Bumpeh Tabay (Bo District) are underway. The CDS projected that by 2026, the force would produce 10,000 bags of rice to feed its personnel.
Healthcare and Uniformity
The 34 Military Hospital is undergoing a major upgrade to become a leading medical facility in the sub-region. The CDS praised First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for her role in the transformation.
To promote uniformity, RSLAF has partnered with a Nigerian garment company to establish a local facility for producing service uniforms and accoutrements.
🏘️ Estates and Local Donations
Plans are in motion to construct affordable housing for personnel in the provinces. Throughout the tour, CDS Bangura made targeted donations to improve barracks infrastructure and morale.
Troops Laud CDS Leadership
The tour was hailed as a historic success, with soldiers expressing deep appreciation for the CDS’s hands-on approach. “We want the CDS to visit us every month. He truly understands our welfare and he is committed to solving them,” troops chanted.