By Stephen V. Lansana
The Defence Council of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the highest decision-making body of the MoD/RSLAF, have endorsed the retirement of 37 officers from the RSLAF.
The Defence Council include: the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Minister of Defence and his deputy, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and the Internal Affairs Minister, among others.
MoD/RSLAF said in a statement on Monday, January 29, 2024, that the Defence Council held a meeting on Thursday, January 18, 2024, where it endorsed the retirement of 37 officers from the RSLAF.
The officers constitute the following categories: Voluntary Discharge – six officers from the ranks of second lieutenant to Major; Compulsory Discharge on grounds of Absent Without Leave (AWOL) – eight officers from the ranks of second lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel; Compulsory discharge on grounds of subversion – 18 officers from the ranks lieutenant to major; and Compulsory discharge on grounds of misconduct – five officers from the ranks of lieutenant to colonel.
According to MoD/RSLAF, the decision was made pursuant to section 169 (1) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act No. 6 of 1991, including other instruments on Administration and Discipline in section 26 and 27 (a) (b) of the Army Orders Act No 1 of 1965 of RSLAF.
The Director of Defence Public Relations and Information, Colonel Issa Bangura disclosed that the details of officers affected in these categories will be published in the Sierra Leone Gazetta.