By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a landmark ceremony held at the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Joint Forces Command Headquarters, Sierra Leone officially joined the State Partnership Program (SPP) with the Michigan National Guard (MING). This collaboration marks a significant step forward in security cooperation between the two nations.
The signing ceremony was attended by key officials, including Lt. Gen. Peter Lavahun, Chief of Defense Staff for RSLAF; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, Adjutant General of Michigan; Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defense Muana Massaquoi; and U.S. Ambassador to Sierra Leone Bryan Hunt.
U.S. Ambassador Hunt hailed the partnership as “a new and exciting chapter in our joint security cooperation.” The SPP, a U.S. initiative, aims to build mutually beneficial relationships by pairing a U.S. state’s National Guard with the armed forces of a partner nation. This collaboration provides an avenue for military training and knowledge exchange, particularly with the unique blend of civilian and military expertise the National Guard brings.
Maj. Gen. Rogers emphasized the program’s benefits: “The SPP offers our Soldiers and Airmen the chance to increase global awareness and preparedness, enhancing our readiness for deployment in diverse environments.”
Lt. Gen. Lavahun underscored the strategic importance of the partnership, stating, “This agreement will strengthen our defense and security cooperation and help address ongoing security challenges in the West African region and the Gulf of Guinea.”
Key areas of collaboration under the SPP include professional military education, humanitarian and disaster response operations, peacekeeping efforts, and joint skill-building opportunities. These initiatives are expected to commence by the end of 2024.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised the long-standing success of MING’s involvement in the State Partnership Program, noting that Michigan was one of the first participants in 1993 with its partnership with Latvia, followed by Liberia in 2009. “These state-to-state relationships have fostered a valuable exchange of ideas and expertise for everyone involved,” Whitmer said.
The Michigan National Guard, which plays a crucial role in supporting U.S. national security strategies, stands ready to contribute to both federal and state emergencies.
