By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a move aimed at streamlining the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Ministry of Defence has confirmed the approval of the compulsory retirement and discharge of several officers. The announcement, made in a Press Release on Friday, November 29, 2024, followed a meeting of the Defence Council and reflects the Government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the operational efficiency of the military.
The release outlines the discharge of officers under two categories: administrative discharge and the relinquishment of commission. A total of 56 officers, including one Major General, four Lieutenant Colonels, and various ranks down to Second Lieutenant, will be affected by the decision. This action aligns with the provisions of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Act, with the aim of maintaining a capable and responsive defense force.
Colonel Issa Bangura, Director of Public Relations and Information at the Ministry of Defence, emphasized the importance of these changes in ensuring the military remains prepared to meet modern defense challenges. He explained that the restructuring is part of a broader strategy to boost the operational readiness of the RSLAF.
The decision to retire and discharge officers follows a similar action taken earlier in November.
On Monday, November 18, 2024, the Defence Council approved the compulsory retirement and discharge of 70 officers, who were categorized as follows:
1. Administrative Discharge: 53 officers, ranging from Major General to Lieutenant, retired due to administrative measures.
2. Compulsory Discharge (Absent Without Leave): Eleven officers, ranging from Major to Lieutenant, were discharged for prolonged absence without official leave.
3. Compulsory Discharge (Misconduct): Six officers, from Lieutenant Colonel to Lieutenant, were discharged for misconduct.
These discharges are in accordance with Section 169 (1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, Act No. 6 of 1991 and paragraphs 26 and 27 (a & b) of the Army Orders No. 1 of 1965.
As part of a gesture of goodwill, the 53 officers under the Administrative Discharge category will receive a lump sum payment equivalent to one year’s salary, in addition to their gratuity and other entitlements. The discharges will take immediate effect and the names of the affected officers will be published in the National Gazette for public reference.
The Ministry of Defence assures the public that these actions are necessary steps in ensuring the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces remains agile and well-positioned to tackle the security challenges of the modern world.
The retirement of the 70 military officers, the breakdown of the ranks are as follows:
1. General – 02
2. Colonel – 05
3. Lieutenant Colonel – 10
4. Major – 30
5. Captain – 07
6. Lieutenant – 16
The names of the affected military officers are as follows:
1. Major General CF Marah
(SL 729)
2. Commodore PJ Juana
(SL 689)
3. Colonel C Thoronka
(SL 564)
4. Colonel MB Kargbo
(SL 663)
5. Colonel S Daramy
(SL 678)
6. Colonel K Kamara
(SL 670)
7. Colonel TM Brima
(SL 726)
8. Lieutenant Colonel A Sesay
(SL 568)
9. Lieutenant Colonel IS
Kamara (SL 693)
10. Lieutenant Colonel M
Kargbo (SL 660)
11. Lieutenant Colonel A
Siesay (SL 744)
12. Lieutenant Colonel T
Matturi (SL SL 880)
13. Lieutenant Colonel A
Rollings (SL 865)
14. Commander SA Kamara
(SL 928)
15. Lieutenant Colonel M
Conteh (SL 997)
16. Lieutenant Colonel CM
Yamba (SL 909)
17. Lieutenant Colonel AB
Turay (SL 816)
18. Major S Fillie (SL 1027)
19. Major K Jamiru (SL 811)
20. Major S Sillah (SL 1022)
21. Major J Kpange (SL 1024)
22. Major P Bunduka (SL 836)
23. Major A Kamara
(SL 887)
24. Major U Bangura
(SL 1109)
25. Major S Marah (SL 754)
26. Major S Fartoma
(SL 1034)
27. Major A Kamanda
(SL 884)
28. Major M Tarawally
(SL 904)
29. Lieutenant Commander A
Kenneh (SL 1125)
30. Major S Bangura
(SL 1148)
31. Major A Swarray
(SL 1233)
32. Major D Gbandequee
(SL 954)
33. Major M Matturi (SL 967)
34. Major D Koroma (SL 918)
35. Lieutenant Commander A
Kanu (SL 1332)
36. Major S Sesay (SL 1056)
37. Major A Marah (SL 1531)
38. Major S Johnson (SL 995)
39. Major A Aruna (SL 1104)
40. Major J Kamara
(SL 1353)
41. Major M Bangura
(SL 1105)
42. Major M Dumbuya
(SL 1355)
43. Major BD Sama
(SL 1143)
44. Major AH Lahai
(SL 1215)
45. Major BM Bah (SL 1373)
46. Major (Dr) BR Idriss
(SL 1479)
47. Major B Sesay (SL 782)**
48. Captain A Jalloh
(SL 1413)
49. Captain AM Koroma
(SL 1474)
50. Captain SD Massaquoi
(SL 1336)
51. Lieutenant (Navy) R
Macfoy (SL 1484)
52. Captain A Kharlo
(SL 1593)
53. Captain S Bockarie
(SL 1598)
54. Captain AR Bah
(SL 1488)
55. Lieutenant A Jalloh
(SL 1286)
56. Lieutenant Z Kamara
(SL 1504)
57. Lieutenant AB Kamara
(SL 1647)
58. Lieutenant S Yorpoi
(SL 1655)
59. Lieutenant IB Bangura
(SL 1556)
60. Lieutenant SM Joe
(SL 1558)
61. Lieutenant E Momoh
(SL 1657)
62. Lieutenant I Kaloko
(SL 1467)
63. Lieutenant M Pendema
(SL 1604)
64. Lieutenant M Fengai
(SL 1786)
65. Lieutenant (Dr) J Coker
(SL 1822)
66. Lieutenant H Kamara
(SL 1584)
67. Lieutenant A Sesay
(SL 1814)
68. Sub Lieutenant A Kanu
(SL 1774)
69. Lieutenant Kpundeh
(SL 1804)
70. Lieutenant (Fr) A Sesay
(SL 1744)
Among the above-named retirees are two very senior officers: (1) Major General CF, who was the Chief of Staff at Ministry of Defence and (2) Commodore PJ Juana, who was the Naval Chief of Staff.
