By Saio Marrah
The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio has called on politicians to keep personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) out of politics.
President Bio was speaking at the 14th annual anniversary of the Armed Forces Day at the Hockey Pitch in Freetown, Wednesday 22nd February 2023.
The president said politicians can come to power and go, but the Army will still remain. In that vein, he said “to the leaders of political parties and supporters, please let us keep the RSLAF out of politics”
After stressing that never should they be used for political purposes, he pointed out that “Democratic governance is here to stay and unconstitutional changes of government are frowned upon at international level and at home. The RSLAF must and will remain apolitical and focused on its defence missions and military tasks.”
The Commander In Chief of RSLAF also reminded the personnel of the oath of the alliance they took during their official graduation ceremony to serve the people of Sierra Leone.
He cautioned them that RSLAF is not a political party and that they are not politicians, but professional soldiers. The president further urged them to always strive to be professional, law-abiding, and loyal.
According to him, they should continuously display integrity and lead by example in serving the best interest of the country.
The President noted that the Defence Council has adopted a novel approach to improving on the conditions of serving personnel and establishing an Armed Forces Pay Board.
Speaking on the 75% salary increment, he said the basic pay of service personnel is directly correlated to ex gratia, gratuities, and pensions after retirement, more basic pay, and more terminal benefits.
President Bio also pointed out that his government has sanctioned the establishment of the Armed Forces Endowment Loan Scheme that provides loans to personnel.
President Bio also called on the military to work professionally with the Sierra Leone Police and support them in providing security for every voter to freely and safely cast their votes during the forthcoming general elections.
Bio added that beyond the single-day celebration, the private sector should appreciate the great services rendered by the personnel and that upon showing an identification card, consideration should be made in granting serving and retired personnel discounts on goods and services as well as preferential services.
The president also highlighted insurance providers and private healthcare providers to also consider special rates, banks to consider concessionary rates, and house owners to also consider special discounts on rent as well.
The president also admitted that the force made him who he is today as the Army has sharpened his core values of public service, discipline, and loyalty.
He asserted that it is an enviable institution with a tradition of strict regimentation which has taught them that there is no greater service than to serve the country through war or peace.
According to him, no head of state had paid so much attention to and done so much for the RSLAF in such a short time as he has done.
Among the development his government has undertaken within the RLSAF, he highlighted the “modern state of the art Officer’s Mess” plus a towering edifice of 104 bedroom accommodation for single officers at the Wilberforce Barracks.
He also pointed out the modern medical service to the 34 military hospital, and the upgrading and expansion of the same hospital by the First Lady, which he said is almost complete.
He also noted that with support from China, he had recently commissioned substantial quantities of modern engineering equipment and that once an Armed Forces Construction Corporation is established; the RSLAF’s Corps of engineers will be highly capacitated.
The president also noted that his government has worked with partners to build up naval assets and develop the skills for seamen and women, constructed a Slipway at the Murray Town Naval Base, commissioned 4 inshore patrol boats, and that he will soon commission a 37 metre long type C patrol boat.
He also informed RSLAF that his government is in close multilateral engagement with friends and international partners to develop the technical capacity of the air wing and to also procure equipment and air assets for building future air platforms for the air wing.
Copyright © 2023 Politico Online (24/02/23)
