New Defence Policy Unveiled
By Mariama Bundu
President Julius Maada Bio has announced a 25 percent salary increase for all ranks of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), effective April 2026, during the 17th Armed Forces Day celebrations held at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Square in Wilberforce, Freetown.
Speaking as Commander-in-Chief, the President also launched Sierra Leone’s first home-grown National Defence Policy and Strategy, designed to align national security priorities with development goals and the government’s Big Five Game Changers agenda.
Under the theme “Rebuilding the RSLAF through Strategic Transformation for Enhanced National Security and Development in Sierra Leone,” President Bio declared the creation of Defence Enterprise Services to reposition the military as a contributor to national development.
The initiative includes an Endowment and Loan Scheme for service personnel and the allocation of 10,000 acres of agricultural land to support projects under the Feed Salone programme.
The President further approved the operationalisation of Explosive Management Services to support the mining sector and the establishment of an Engineering Corporation to boost infrastructure delivery.
Among priority projects are the 52.3-kilometre Mile 91–Rosul Junction feeder road, a 1.5-kilometre paved road at the Armed Forces Training Centre, and a 27-kilometre paved road in Kambia District.
On gender inclusion, President Bio revealed that female representation in the RSLAF has increased to 14.7 percent, up from single-digit levels at the start of his administration.
He encouraged continued recruitment and leadership development to meet the 30 percent quota set by the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022.
Reaffirming his support for veterans, the President pledged swift passage of the Military Veterans Bill currently before Parliament and directed that it be concluded by May 2026.
During the ceremony, he also presented new Presidential and Regimental Colours, the highest symbols of honour for the Services, Formations and Units of the RSLAF.
The event concluded with honours and awards presented to distinguished guests and serving officers, as the President commended members of the armed forces for their dedication and service to the nation.
