KEYNOTE ADDRESS
TUESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2025 THEME: REPOSITIONING THE RSLAF FOR ENHANCED NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN SIERRA LEONE KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY DR. JULIUS MAADA BIO PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE ON THE OCCASION OF SIXTEENTH ARMED FORCES DAY AT THE JULIUS MAADA BIO PARADE SQUARE, WILBERFORCE BARRACKS, I stand before you with great pride as we mark the 16th Anniversary of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces Day. Today is not just a moment of commemoration. It is a testament to the dedication, valour, and sacrifice of the men and women who have pledged their lives to safeguard our great nation. But, before we proceed, I would like for us to rise and observe a ONE-MINUTE SILENCE in honour of the brave men and women of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces who have paid the ultimate price in defence of this great country. (AFTER ONE MINUTE) May the souls of the dearly departed members of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces Rest in Eternal Peace – Amen! This year’s event, with the theme “REPOSITIONING THE RSLAF FOR ENHANCED NATIONAL SECURITY AND DEVELOPMENT IN SIERRA LEONE”, captures the spirit and letter of the Armed Forces — the very core of their existence. For many years, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces has stood as a bastion of national integrity, a guardian of our sovereignty, and a force for stability and peace. You have been the first responders in times of crisis. In moments of uncertainty, you have remained the steady hands, ensuring stability. You are the shield that safeguards our democracy, the torchbearers of stability, and the vanguard of national unity. In recent times, we have seen how you rose to the occasion in times of great challenge, serving as the shield that protects our democracy and the sword that defends our freedom. Today, we pay tribute to your bravery, agility, and patriotism. As a retired General, I am fully aware that being in the Armed Forces is not just a profession. It is a calling ─ one that demands unyielding commitment, discipline, and the highest standards of integrity. Your commitment has ensured that Sierra Leone remains secure, allowing our people to thrive in unity and progress. Whether responding to national security threats, providing humanitarian assistance, or supporting regional peacekeeping missions, you have demonstrated professionalism, resilience, and an unyielding commitment to duty. Your contributions are invaluable, and your sacrifices, both seen and unseen, shall never be forgotten. We are deeply grateful for your service. Today, I SALUTE EACH ONE OF YOU FOR THIS. DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, We recognise that the challenges of our Armed Forces are immense. As the Commander-in-Chief, I reaffirm my Government’s unwavering commitment to strengthening our Armed Forces. This commitment is only made possible by the dedication and service of every one of you. Since I assumed office in 2018, we have embarked on major reforms aimed at significantly improving the welfare of our Armed Forces members. These reforms demonstrate our commitment to building a world-class Armed Forces that cares for its personnel. During my first term as President and Commander-in-Chief, the Defence Council in 2019 adopted the reversion of the RSLAF to a functional Tri-Service structure, in line with our Constitution, with its three Services: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. This aspiration was reiterated during my address on the Fourteen Armed Forces Day on February 22nd, 2023. I charged the Chief of Defence Staff with harnessing a Tri-Service structure as a plausible modern military approach to enhance growth, increase morale, and boost the operational effectiveness of the RSLAF. I am aware that this transition will be a long and time-bound process. I urge the Chief of Defence Staff to re-establish a new Defence Headquarters and coordinate with the appropriate Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to support these transformational efforts by realigning resources to commence the acquisition of the right platforms to strengthen RSLAF’s operational capacity to contribute to the BIG 5 Game Changers for enhanced national security and development. My Government has worked diligently to progressively mechanise and modernise the RSLAF, enabling it to generate revenue through non-traditional military functions such as relief, disaster interventions, agriculture, construction, and health care delivery to Sierra Leoneans. We are now poised to expand these initiatives to establish the Armed Forces Enterprise Scheme, fish farming, and the cultivation of over 4,000 hectares of cashew farmland across the country. It will also include stores catering to personnel and civil communities and engaging in estate ventures by building houses for service personnel on a mortgage basis. I use this occasion to give special thanks to the Governments and People of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Algeria, Bangladesh, China, Cuba, Ethiopia, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Russia, Tanzania, the UK, and the USA, among others, for their invaluable contributions to modernising our Armed Forces. Thank you for your remarkable contributions to our country DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, As part of the revised welfare initiatives in the RSLAF, we have made the following changes: Funeral financial support was increased from NLE 840 to NLE 10,000. Families of deceased service personnel now receive salaries and occupy the military accommodation for six months as opposed to the previous three months. Marriage financial support will be increased from NLE 250 to NLE 5,000. I charge the new Chief of Defence Staff to adopt a welfare-driven leadership, embrace a “Soldier-First Culture”, and constantly review the existing welfare initiatives over time to include: Support schemes for widows and beneficiaries of fallen service personnel. Support scheme for service personnel with service-related injuries or disabilities. Post-Military Housing Scheme. Leverage the investment into 34 Military Hospital to become a fully operational Level 3 Military Hospital by 2027. Establish RSLAF Shops nationwide to sell goods and services at cost recovery to service personnel, their families, and certain authourised civilians. DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, When I signed the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022, the RSLAF made remarkable strides to balance the previously male-dominated RSLAF with increasing
