By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, has completed his maiden tour of military formations across the country; a move aimed at strengthening morale, improving welfare and deepening engagement with troops. The tour, which concluded on 27th October, 2025, covered Lungi, Kabala, Kono, Makeni, Bo, Pujehun, Jendema, Zimmi, Kenema and Daru.
During his engagements, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura briefed soldiers on key welfare reforms undertaken with the support of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the Commander-in-Chief. He highlighted initiatives such as the implementation of the Tri-service Plan, ongoing road construction projects using RSLAF’s engineering equipment and increases in the Funeral Purse, Marriage Assistance, Ration Cash Allowance (RCA) and Monthly Running Cost (MRC). The CDS also announced the allocation of 10% of fuel quotas to senior non-commissioned officers, borehole construction in several barracks and the introduction of town service buses for Western Area troops.
On peacekeeping readiness, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura disclosed that a UN Assessment and Advisory Team had recently evaluated the RSLAF’s preparedness for international missions, noting that 75% of the required peacekeeping equipment had already been secured through the President’s international engagements. He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to supporting global peace operations.
The CDS also discussed ongoing agricultural ventures, revealing that RSLAF is cultivating cashew, rice and fish farms to enhance food security. A 550-acre cashew plantation in Port Loko District and a 250-acre fish farm in Bo District are already operational, while rice production is expected to yield over 10,000 bags by 2026 to feed personnel nationwide.
In the health sector, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura said the 34 Military Hospital is being upgraded into a sub-regional medical facility, commending First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for her leading role in its transformation. He also announced a partnership with a Nigerian garment company to establish a local military uniform factory and plans to construct affordable housing units for troops.
Throughout the tour, the CDS made numerous donations to address the immediate needs of the troops, including cement, solar lights, generators, television sets, sewing machines and other materials to improve living and working conditions in various barracks. He also renamed the 15 Infantry Battalion in Lungi to 3 Infantry Battalion and pledged continued infrastructural support.
Soldiers expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as historic. “We want the CDS to visit us every month. He truly understands our welfare and is committed to addressing our challenges,” they chanted enthusiastically. The tour was widely regarded as a strong demonstration of leadership and commitment to troop welfare and institutional growth.
