By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone took a significant step in strengthening its democratic and security architecture on Thursday, 11 December 2025, as His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio commissioned 1,017 newly trained soldiers and officer cadets into the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The ceremony, held at the Armed Forces Training Centre in Benguema Barracks, Waterloo, was described by the President as a “defining moment” for the nation and signaled what he called the permanent end of military interference in national politics.
The commissioning parade featured 89 officer cadets and 949 enlisted soldiers. Among the graduates were 212 female recruits and 15 female officer cadets; numbers President Bio hailed as historic and indicative of a military that is gradually becoming more inclusive and representative of the nation’s diversity. The graduates underwent nine months of rigorous training at the Armed Forces Training Centre and the Peace Mission Training Centre. Training officials confirmed that several candidates were dismissed for drug-related and disciplinary offences, leaving a final successful cohort of 1,017.
In his keynote address, President Bio expressed profound pride in the accomplishments of the graduates, noting that Sierra Leone “stands taller, prouder and more secure” as a new generation of disciplined and professionally trained soldiers steps forward to serve the nation. Reflecting on his personal journey from cadet to Brigadier General and later President, he described military training as a transformative process that instils discipline, resilience and patriotism. He applauded the recruits for enduring months of intense physical and mental preparation, saying their achievement reflects dedication not only to their careers but to national service.
The President extended gratitude to the Chief of Defence Staff, senior military leadership, training commandants, instructors and the support staff who dedicated their time and expertise to shaping the new recruits. He also commended the families who, he said, “carried the emotional weight” of the training period, providing the support that helped the recruits persevere. President Bio took time to honour fallen soldiers and wounded personnel, saying their sacrifices are the cornerstone of the peace and stability the country continues to enjoy.
President Bio used the occasion to highlight the growing inclusion of women within the armed forces. He described the achievements of the female graduates as a landmark in the evolution of the RSLAF and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to increasing female participation across all levels of military service. He noted that the armed forces must reflect the spirit and aspirations of the nation and that women have demonstrated exceptional competence in various command, engineering and operational roles. He encouraged the new female officers and soldiers to break further barriers and inspire others across the country.
Touching on the modern security landscape, the President underscored the need for a highly skilled and adaptable military, capable of managing emerging threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, climate-related shocks, transnational crime and regional instability. He emphasized that professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights must guide every action of the armed forces. Sierra Leone, he said, must continue to build a military that upholds democratic values and remains aligned with international standards.
President Bio highlighted ongoing cooperation with Sierra Leone’s defence partners, including ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations and bilateral allies. Those relationships, he said, have enhanced training, strengthened logistics, expanded peacekeeping deployment capacity and supported the overall transformation of the RSLAF into a credible and respected institution.
The most defining moment of his speech came when President Bio firmly declared that the era of military intervention in Sierra Leone’s political affairs is permanently over. His remarks drew strong applause from soldiers, families and dignitaries present. He stressed that the country’s democratic gains are non-negotiable and reminded the graduates that their allegiance is to the Constitution and to the people of Sierra Leone. “Your duty is to defend democracy, not to participate in politics. Your uniform represents loyalty, service and the protection of national sovereignty,” he stated.
Reaffirming his Government’s dedication to the welfare of the armed forces, President Bio outlined plans to continue modernizing military equipment, improving accommodation and living standards, expanding training opportunities, both locally and internationally, and strengthening the country’s readiness for peacekeeping missions. He emphasized that the success and integrity of the RSLAF depend on the continued professionalism and ethical conduct of the new generation of officers and soldiers.
As he concluded his address, the President encouraged the graduates to wear their uniforms with pride and uphold the dignity, unity and stability of Sierra Leone. He reminded them that their commissioning marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of service to the nation. Drawing from his own experience, he said: “If a young cadet from Tihun could rise to Brigadier General and become President, then your own futures too hold limitless possibilities. Let your journey be defined by honour, discipline and unwavering commitment to Sierra Leone.”
The ceremony concluded with a grand march past by the newly commissioned officers and soldiers, signifying their readiness to assume their national duties. The event not only celebrated the achievements of the graduates but also reinforced the country’s commitment to democratic governance, security sector reform and a future in which the military remains firmly professional and apolitical.
