Group Photo with Beneficiaries of one of Eighteen Fallen Personnel

On Friday 19th January 2024, an emotional event unfolded at the Headquarters Joint Force Command, Cockrill Barracks, as the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) organised a programme to express gratitude and support to the bereaved families of deceased personnel who lost their lives in the tragic 26 November 2023 failed coup d’état. The solemn event commenced with the arrival of family members, warmly received by the Chief of Personnel Headquarters Joint Force Command, Lt Col DO Johnson. The atmosphere embraced unity as both Muslim and Christian prayers were observed, setting a tone of inclusivity and shared reverence within the RSLAF. The Acting Commander Joint Force, Brigadier General AI Bangura, conveyed appreciation to all attendees for gracing the occasion with their presence. He articulated the primary purpose of the event, which was to extend gratitude and support from the RSLAF leadership, the Ministry of Defence, and the Government of Sierra Leone to the grieving families. Brigadier General AI Bangura announced a significant extension of support, “noting that families of deceased soldiers would now be allowed to stay in the Barracks for Six months, up from the initial three-month period. Moreover, the salary and take-home rice, initially provided for three months, would now be extended to a period of Six months. He also added that the government of Sierra Leone has also provided financial support of one hundred thousand new Leones (NLe 100,000.00) to each bereaved family in recognition of the sacrifices made by their loved ones”.

Substantive CJF Maj Gen D Alpha Handing        Ag CJF Brig Gen AI Bangura D Handing

Over One Hundred New Leones to the               One Hundred New Leones to the

 Beneficiary of one of Eighteen Fallen               Beneficiary of one of Eighteen Fallen

Personnel                                                           Personnel at the HQ JFC Cockrill Barracks                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   receiving

The Representative of the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General D Alpha (Substantive Commander Joint Force) delivered the keynote address. He acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion, emphasizing that no amount of reward could replace the loss experienced by the families. Major General Alpha affirmed that the fallen personnel had sacrificed their lives in defence of the nation, and the government's gesture was an acknowledgement of this unwavering commitment. He thanked the families for their sacrifices and reiterated the Government's steadfast support for the RSLAF. The distribution of One Hundred Thousand new Leones to each of the eighteen fallen personnel's beneficiaries marked a significant moment, underscoring the Government's commitment to easing the burden of the grieving families. Madam Adama Bangura, the wife of one of the deceased soldiers, delivered the Vote of Thanks. While expressing to His Excellency the President and C-in-C of the RSLAF’s gratitude for the support received, she appealed to the Government to consider providing scholarships for the education of the deceased soldiers' children, ensuring a lasting legacy for their sacrifices to the Nation. The event was graced by various dignitaries, including the ACDS Personnel and Military Secretary, Air Commodore MS Kamara, the director of SLCS, Colonel SS Massaquoi, other serving officers, retired officers, and soldiers, underscoring the collective respect and honour bestowed upon those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Hence, the date of Friday 19 January 2024, will be remembered as a day when the nation, through its Armed Forces and Government, demonstrated compassion and support for the bereaved families of its fallen heroes.

Substantive CJF Maj Gen D Alpha, Ag CJF Brig Gen AI Bangura, ACDS Pers/MS

Air Comdr MS Kamara and DG SLCS at HQ JFC Cockrill Barracks

Credit:
Directorate of Public Relations and Information
Ministry of Defence
Tower hill
Freetown