By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Taking a significant step towards strengthening bilateral defence relations, Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defence, Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi (Retired), concluded an official visit to the Republic of Turkiye, during which he signed a new financial aid agreement and explored opportunities for advanced military cooperation.
The visit, which took place from 22nd to 26th July 2025, coincided with the 17th International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF), one of the world’s largest defence exhibitions. Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi was accompanied by Brigadier-General Dr. Stephens Sevalie, Commander of Defence Medical Services and Surgeon-General of the 34 Military Hospital and Colonel Dr. Zhoud Kailie, Military Executive Assistant to the Deputy Minister.
At the opening ceremony of IDEF on 22nd July, which featured over 1,000 Turkish companies showcasing cutting-edge military technologies, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan underscored his country’s commitment to “developing long-term multidimensional partnerships based on a win-win approach.” Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries Haluk Gorgun highlighted the event’s role in fostering global defence collaborations.
On 24th July, Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi signed The Protocol Regarding Financial Assistance with Turkish Deputy Defence Minister HE Apasian Kavaklioglu. The agreement aims to address critical defence and medical needs within the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), reinforcing cooperation in areas such as technology transfer, capacity building and military healthcare.
Expressing his gratitude to the Turkish Government, Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi described the engagement as “a valuable opportunity for Sierra Leone to explore strategic cooperation and benefit from Turkiye’s technological advancements.” He noted that the partnership would enhance national security, operational readiness and the well-being of RSLAF personnel.
Following the signing, Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi held a special session with another Turkish Deputy Minister of National Defence, HE Bilal Durbai. The meeting focused on boosting military healthcare delivery in Sierra Leone, with Turkiye pledging advanced medical equipment, training programmes and personnel exchanges for the 34 Military Hospital. Discussions also covered the acquisition and deployment of unmanned drones for surveillance and defence purposes.
The Deputy Minister later toured the Baykar Factory, a leading producer of state-of-the-art unmanned aerial vehicles used in modern warfare.
This latest agreement builds on previous defence collaborations between the two nations, including the 2021 Defence Industry Cooperation Agreement and the 2024 Military Framework Agreement, both ratified by Sierra Leone’s Parliament.
Colonel Muana Brima Massaquoi’s visit underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening defence diplomacy and leveraging international partnerships to modernize its armed forces and enhance national security.
