ADDRESS BY H.E. THE PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF THE REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE ARMED FORCES (RSLAF), DR. ERNEST BAI KOROMA, ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIRST ARMED FORCES DAY OF THE RSLAF ON WEDNESDAY 18TH FEBRUARY 2009
Honourable Vice President
Minister of Defense
Other Ministers of Government
Honourable Members of Parliament
Members of the Diplomatic and Consular Corps
Commander IMATT
Officers and Men of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF)
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen
We are gathered here today to mark the transformation of Myohaung Day to Armed Forces Day. This is a significant milestone for the gallant officers, men and women of our Armed Forces who have fought in many other battles since Myohaung, and they have repeatedly proved their gallantry and sacrificed lives and limbs for the glory of Mother Sierra Leone.
After Myohaung, our armed forces showed gallantry during the Congo Wars, they served with honour and fortitude in Liberia, and heroically defended the motherland during the rebel war. We are gathered here today to include all these servicemen and women in our remembrance of the gallantry and sacrifice of members of the armed forces of Sierra Leone. It is our duty to commemorate Myohaung. But it is also our greater duty to give relevance to the commemoration of gallantry by saluting those who quite recently lived up to the tradition of heroism and service that was shown by the soldiers who fought at Myohaung.
By remembering them, we are rededicating ourselves to the examples that they set. By honouring their heroism, we are singing the praises of our native land. By celebrating their gallantry, we are exalting this realm of the free.
The Armed Forces Day is also a day of thanksgiving to God for giving us the strength and will to be true to our solemn pledges of loyalty to our democratic constitution. Our country today is exalted the world over for its dedication to the ballot box. When democracy is talked about in Africa, Sierra Leoneans hold up their heads high. No one would distract us from strengthening this achievement. This country has chosen the path of democracy, peace and service. The person who struggles against that choice struggles in vain. For, as Commander-in- Chief, I know the armed forces stand ready to defend the democratic achievements of the people. This first-ever Armed Forces Day is a re-affirmation by our gallant officers and men of their loyalty to the democratic constitution of this land that we love.
My government has come a long way to consolidate the gains of the peace you so gallantly fought for.
We will continue to fully support the RSLAF as we strive to transform it into not only a well-catered-for and disciplined force, but one deserving to be counted among professional armed forces in the world.
That is why my Government attaches great importance to transforming the RSLAF into a force capable of fully meeting its international obligations.
In fulfillment of this aspiration, as you may be aware, my Government has authorised the deployment of a company-size Reconnaissance unit of the RSLAF to Darfur in Sudan on Peace- Support Operations.
All modalities are now in place, and very soon, “Blue Helmet” RSLAF personnel will take part in peace-support operations in Darfur. This is just the beginning, as more worthwhile assignments of similar nature are soon to follow.
Thus, while we seek peace for ourselves, my Government aspires to transform the RSLAF into a respected guarantor of peace in not just our sub-region, but on the African continent.
The state of your accommodation as serving personnel of the armed forces is definitely a cause for concern for my Government. While we continue to make improvements in other areas, we are not oblivious of the implications of your current state of accommodation on morale.
In demonstration of our commitment to alleviate your accommodation problems, I recently commissioned 200 units of prefab accommodation at the Armed Forces Training Centre (AFTC) that were graciously donated to us by the Government of India.
Your health and sanitation has also not been neglected. Consequently, the 34 Military Hospital - one of the oldest military hospitals in British Western Africa - has had a face-lift. Apart from the general refurbishment, the hospital now has fully air-conditioned VIP wards, each with a satellite television and DVD. Six more Doctors have also been recruited to add to the existing number. We believe this will go a long way to transform our military hospital into a modern medical centre, worthy to serve not just you, but all of us.
My Government also recognizes the crucial role of training and capability building in the transformation of the RSLAF.
While we continue to support normal military training at the Armed Forces Training Centre (AFTC), as well as Junior Division (JD) Courses at the Horton Academy, my Government also continues to avail itself of training opportunities from friendly disposed nations.
Just recently, 10 Cadet Officers departed our shores for Uganda for Officer Cadet Courses in that country. Such courses will no doubt complement other external training opportunities provided by our development partners.
Gallant Officers and men of the RSLAF, we have undertaken all these development programmes to improve on morale in the Armed Forces. We are therefore hopeful that, with our continued support, in the not-too-distant future, Sierra Leoneans will have an Armed Force that they will be proud of.
I thank you all.
May God continue to bless our motherland!!