Freetown, Sierra Leone – Over 30,000 personnel from Sierra Leone’s military, police, and correctional forces have gone four months without their entitled monthly rice supplies, sparking growing frustration within the security sector.
According to sources familiar with the matter, rice suppliers have halted deliveries due to the Ministry of Finance’s repeated failure to settle payments, resulting in arrears exceeding NLe300 million. Despite multiple assurances from the Ministry that the issue would be resolved, no payments have been made, leaving security forces in prolonged uncertainty.
One security official described the situation as a “betrayal” rather than a mere delay, expressing concerns over the government’s handling of welfare provisions for those tasked with maintaining national security.
Growing Concerns and Calls for Action
The Ministry of Finance, responsible for disbursing funds for essential provisions, has yet to provide a clear resolution or timeline for repayment. Its silence has fueled concerns about the government’s commitment to supporting security personnel, particularly at a time when stability and morale are crucial.
Security forces depend on rice allocations as part of their standard welfare provisions, and prolonged delays risk exacerbating tensions within the ranks. Officials and affected personnel are calling for urgent government intervention to resolve the backlog and restore confidence in the system.
With public attention now focused on the unresolved crisis, stakeholders continue to urge the government to act swiftly in addressing the growing discontent among the country’s uniformed personnel.