A growing humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Waterloo, Western Rural District, where retired war-wounded soldiers are reportedly living in extremely difficult conditions, prompting renewed calls for urgent intervention to improve the welfare of military veterans who sacrificed their health and well-being in service to Sierra Leone.
Sources close to the retired soldiers have confirmed that several members of the veteran community have died in recent months, with concerns mounting that prolonged exposure to cold weather, heavy rainfall and inadequate shelter may have contributed to the deaths.
Many of the former soldiers, most of whom sustained injuries during their years of military service, currently reside in a self-funded camp in Waterloo. The camp reportedly lacks adequate housing and basic facilities, leaving residents vulnerable to harsh weather conditions and health complications.
Speaking on behalf of the affected veterans, Retired Corporal Kamara, Chairman of the RSLAF Retired Wounded in Action Western Rural Organization, described the living conditions facing many members as alarming. According to him, numerous retired war-wounded soldiers are forced to sleep in open markets, on fields and in unfinished buildings in Bassa Town, Waterloo, because they are unable to afford rented accommodation.
“We cannot afford to pay rent with our minimal pensions,” Retired Corporal Kamara said, noting that many veterans struggle daily to meet even their most basic needs.
He explained that the organization has repeatedly appealed to the Ministry of Lands for the allocation of land where retired war-wounded soldiers could be resettled and provided with decent housing. Such a move, he said, would allow veterans to live together in a safe environment and access the support they need.
Retired Corporal Kamara further called on humanitarian organizations, human rights groups, Non-Governmental Organizations, development partners and philanthropists to assist in developing housing facilities for the veterans once suitable land is secured.
While acknowledging that officials from the Ministry of Lands have reportedly given assurances regarding support for the resettlement initiative, he expressed concern that no tangible progress has yet been made.
With the rainy season intensifying across the country, veteran leaders fear that additional lives could be lost if immediate measures are not taken to improve shelter conditions and provide emergency relief.
Advocates for veterans’ welfare argue that the situation highlights broader challenges facing retired service personnel, particularly those who sustained injuries while defending the nation. They maintain that the men and women who served the country with distinction deserve access to decent housing, healthcare and social protection during retirement.
The veterans are now calling for urgent action in three key areas: the allocation of land for resettlement, support from development partners to construct housing and community facilities and the provision of temporary shelters and humanitarian assistance to protect vulnerable members from the effects of the current weather conditions.
Growing concerns have prompted many to argue that addressing the plight of retired war-wounded soldiers is not only a humanitarian obligation but also a national responsibility and a gesture of gratitude to those who made significant sacrifices in service to Sierra Leone.
