Freetown, 12th September 2024 — In a significant step towards strengthening security cooperation, Sierra Leone has officially joined the U.S. State Partnership Program (SPP) with the Michigan National Guard (MING). The partnership was formalized during a signing ceremony at the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Joint Forces Command Headquarters in Freetown.
Key dignitaries in attendance included Lt. Gen. Peter Lavahun, Chief of Defense Staff for the 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.
Ambassador Hunt remarked that this agreement represents “a new and exciting chapter in the history of our joint partnership in security cooperation,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the two nations.
The SPP links U.S. state National Guards with the armed forces of partner nations for mutual benefits in security cooperation. It aims to support U.S. foreign policy goals through military exchanges, training programs, and joint efforts in humanitarian and disaster response operations. Many National Guard members contribute their civilian expertise alongside their military training, adding a unique dimension to the program.
Maj. Gen. Rogers highlighted the reciprocal nature of the program, stating, “The SPP is a true exchange of expertise and provides a tremendous opportunity for our Soldiers and Airmen to gain increased global awareness and understanding while enhancing our readiness to deploy in diverse environments.”
The newly established partnership between MING and RSLAF is expected to include initiatives such as professional military education, peacekeeping support, disaster response, and specialist skill exchanges. These activities are anticipated to begin before the end of 2024.
Lt. Gen. Lavahun praised the initiative, noting, “This partnership will strengthen defense, security cooperation, and will address lingering security challenges in the West African sub-region and the Gulf of Guinea.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also commended the Michigan National Guard’s long-standing success in the SPP, referencing the state’s prior partnerships with Latvia in 1993 and Liberia in 2009. “Our state-to-state relationships have led to a beneficial exchange of people and ideas for all,” said Whitmer.
The Michigan National Guard is a key component of U.S. defense strategy, providing combat-ready forces for national and international missions, as well as emergency support within the United States.
For more information and media inquiries, contact the U.S. Embassy’s Media Coordinator, Alhassan Jalloh, at jalloha@state.gov.
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