By Amin Kef (Ranger)
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), on Sunday 28th September 2025 embarked on a large-scale cleaning exercise along Aberdeen and Lumley beaches, clearing seaweed and waste materials that have plagued the coastline since 2009.
The initiative forms part of the Armed Forces’ Defence Mission and Tasks, designed to boost the tourism sector and promote environmental hygiene. Over 1,100 military personnel supported by engineering equipment and 300 police officers were deployed to execute the operation.
Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Amara Idara Bangura, said the exercise was aimed at sending a message of peace and stability to tourists while preparing the beaches for the festive season. “We want tourists to enjoy the natural beauty of these beaches, assured that Sierra Leone is tranquil and welcoming,” he stated.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, praised the effort, describing it as a milestone in the sector’s transformation. She noted that it was the first time the two beaches had been thoroughly cleaned since the spread of seaweed more than a decade ago. She further disclosed that her Ministry would sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the RSLAF to extend and sustain the exercise at other beaches nationwide.
General Manager of the National Tourist Board, Fatmata Mida-Carew, stressed that her institution has never collected dues from beach bar operators for waste management, underlining the significance of such coordinated state-led action.
The cleanup was made possible through the use of engineering equipment donated to the RSLAF in 2022 by President Julius Maada Bio, with support from the Government of the People’s Republic of China. The equipment, including bulldozers, excavators, graders, dump trucks and tractors, are also used for revenue generation, road reconstruction within military barracks, disaster response and other public operations.
Nabeela Farida Tunis emphasized that maintaining beach cleanliness requires collective responsibility, urging citizens to adopt proper waste disposal habits. She expressed hope that the Freetown City Council will strengthen its role in sustaining the effort.
The exercise concluded with a strategic meeting among the RSLAF, SLP and the Ministry of Tourism to chart long-term solutions for cleaner and safer beaches. A significant portion of the waste was cleared during the day, with officials pledging to continue the process to ensure a hygienic environment for both locals and tourists.
