What You Need to Know:
Following a three week training by the United States Army Security Force Brigade (USASF), 80 Sierra Leonean Lance Corporal’s were promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer 1 earlier last week.
The training, which centered around critical site and asset security, focused on “strengthening the defense technical skills of the RSLAF, and it covered aspects of perimeter patrol, critical site and asset security, and entrance and access control points,” said the US Embassy in Freetown.
The Details:
The three week course was begun after a series of robberies against the Sierra Leonean Armed Forces (RSLAF) ammunition stores in Freetown and Wilberforce. The arms taken during the robbery were then used during an attempted coup on November 26 2023.
During the incident, around 2000 inmates were freed from an undisclosed prison and a military barracks attacked by unknown assailants in what President Julius Maada Bio labeled a failed coup.
12 people, including a member of former President Ernest Bai Koroma’s security detail were charged with treason in early January.
A statement by the US Embassy in the country read:
“The partnership between the United States and Sierra Leone in base defense training marks a significant milestone in bilateral cooperation. This collaboration will enhance Sierra Leone’s defensive capabilities; continue to reinforce professionalism, respect for human rights, and democratic norms within RSLAF; and contribute to regional security and stability.
The United States remains committed to supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to advance democracy, health, and prosperity and to building a successful partnership that benefits both nations.”
So, What Now?:
The training of RSLAF soldiers by a specialized US force indicates a willingness by the United States to maintain stability in the country and hinder the flow of arms between regions. Despite this, Sierra Leone is still considered highly corrupt, scoring 35/100, on par with Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Bosnia and Herzegovina on the Corruption Perception Index. The Index states a score of zero indicates a ‘highly corrupt’ nation.