By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone has once again been placed on the global stage of military excellence as Officer Cadet, Umaru Mattia, of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) successfully graduated from the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the United Kingdom.
Officer Cadet, Umaru Mattia ,was among the 238 cadets of Commissioning Course 243, comprising 203 British Army Officer Cadets and 35 international cadets, who completed the Academy’s rigorous 44-week training programme. The journey culminated in the world-renowned Sovereign’s Parade on Friday, 8th August 2025; a historic ceremony marking the formal commissioning of new officers into their respective armies.
The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is celebrated as the cradle of British Army leadership, where cadets undergo intense training designed to sharpen leadership, tactical planning and combat readiness. As part of the commissioning course, Officer Cadet Mattia and his colleagues trained in Germany during Exercise Dynamic Victory, where they navigated complex terrains, engaged in realistic combat simulations and tested their mission planning and soldiering skills against a free-thinking enemy force.
This exercise integrated cutting-edge military technology, including unmanned ground vehicles for casualty evacuation, drones for reconnaissance and AI-enhanced moving targets ensuring that cadets are prepared to outthink, out-manoeuvre and outfight adversaries in modern warfare.
Representing Sierra Leone at such a globally recognized institution, Officer Cadet Umaru Mattia’s achievement underscores the professionalism and growing stature of the RSLAF on the international stage. His success also reflects Sierra Leone’s commitment to producing highly trained officers capable of contributing to both national security and international peacekeeping operations.
His Excellency Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh, Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, was present at the ceremony to honour the achievement. He described Officer Cadet Umaru Mattia’s graduation as a source of pride for Sierra Leone, reaffirming the country’s long-standing defence and diplomatic ties with the United Kingdom.
“The success of Officer Cadet Umaru Mattia is a testament to the resilience and excellence of Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces,” Dr. Morie Komba Manyeh noted stressing that the nation takes pride in every citizen who achieves such distinguished recognition.
With his commissioning as an officer, Umaru Mattia sets an example for young Sierra Leoneans while reinforcing the RSLAF’s ongoing contributions to national and global security.
