By George M.O. Williams
By Photo: LPhot Barry Swainsbury/MOD
The British High Commission, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence Sierra Leone, is pleased to announce the visit of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Lyme Bay and 42 Commando Royal Marines (42CdoRM) to Freetown, Sierra Leone on 11 November 11, 2024, the British High Commission statement in a statement on Friday.
The ship and its personnel will be in port for two days of engagements, strengthening the ongoing cooperation between the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone’s Armed Forces.
The visit forms part of a UK-led defence initiative aimed at enhancing maritime security in West Africa. The operation, covering the period from 2024 to 2029, focuses on building multilateral and bilateral ties with regional partners while tackling common security challenges, including piracy, illegal unreported and unregulated fishing (IUUF), and the growing threat of violent extremist organisations (VEOs).
The RFA Lyme Bay’s deployment to Sierra Leone is a demonstration of the UK’s continued commitment to regional security, highlighting the strong partnership between the UK and Sierra Leone’s armed forces.
During their time in Freetown, the visiting personnel will engage with the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and local maritime security stakeholders, sharing insights into best practices and advancing collaborative efforts to improve security in the region. The engagements aim to enhance operational capabilities, deepen cooperation, and reinforce the UK’s commitment to supporting Sierra Leone and its neighbours in ensuring a secure and stable maritime environment.
Josephine Gauld LVO, British High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, said:
‘’This visit underscores the strong and enduring partnership between the UK and Sierra Leone and will help strengthen our collective efforts to maintain regional stability.’’