February 2026- Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defence (DMD), Colonel (Retired) Muana Brima Massaquoi, led a high-level delegation to the Third Edition World Defence Show (WDS2026) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 8 to 12.
The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, and organised by the General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defence, brought together international defence institutions, security companies, and government delegations.
The Honourable Massaquoi, accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Kemoh Tewoh Sesay, and his Military Executive Assistant, Colonel John Zhoud Kailie, attended the inaugural ceremony, which was presided over by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence, Prince Khalid bin Salman. During the five-day event, the delegation examined defence equipment and technology in the land, sea, air, security, and space domains, with a focus on improving the capabilities of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). A highlight of the visit was a strategic counterpart meeting with His Excellency Abdulrahman Muhammad bin Ayyaf, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Defence, where discussions focused on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation and counter-terrorism efforts.
Honourable Massaquoi conveyed greetings from His Excellency Sierra Leone’s President, Brigadier General (Retired) Dr Julius Maada Bio, and expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s assistance, including Hajj Scholarships and the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) Strategic Initiative.
The DMD reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional security, emphasising the importance of coordinated efforts to combat terrorism, and formally requested the construction of the IMCTC Centre of Excellence for Counter-Terrorism in Sierra Leone, which would serve as a hub in West Africa, noting that this was the wish of his boss, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio.
In response, His Excellency Abdulrahman Muhammad bin Ayyaf welcomed the request and promised to champion it at upcoming strategic meetings, emphasising Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia’s close friendship and collaboration. The delegation’s participation in WDS2026 underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities and fostering international partnerships.
