The Parliament of Sierra Leone debated and ratified two military defence agreements on Tuesday, 26/03/2024, to enhance the country’s security architecture.
Parliament ratified the following Agreements:
1. The Military Framework Agreement Between The Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the Government of the Republic of Turkiye and (2) A Military Cooperation protocol between the Ministry of Defence of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
They presented the Agreements before ratification, and the Deputy Defence Minister, Colonel Rtd. Muana Brima Massaquoi said these agreements are military cooperation that strengthens cooperation between Sierra Leone, Turkey, and Egypt. He said the agreements focus on training and other logistic materials.
The Deputy Defense Minister assured that the agreements would add value to the security sector and match international military standards. He said that if Parliament ratified the contracts, it would alleviate RSLAF and make Africa a better place in terms of military equipment and training.
On his part, the Parliamentary Chairperson of the Defence, Hon. Alex Rogers, said the security
diplomacy of these agreements is commendable for the nation. He vehemently informed colleague MPs that the accords were non-controversial and went on to underscore the benchmark of agreements in tandem with the United Nations military agreements. He praised the agreements and highlighted the benefits the Sierra Leone Military would gain.
In his contribution to the agreements, Hon.Unpha Sorie Koroma said both agreements are noncontroversial and welcomed their ratification. He said Article 10 of both agreements was geared toward improving the military’s training. He appreciated the agreements and requested a similar technical and technological training intervention. “It is a better agreement for the country, and we should continue on such.”
He concluded. Hon. Captain Retired Sylvester Arnold Maxwell Boima from Moyamba District commended the military for such good agreements for the nation. He also applauded the military men and officers for serving the nation diligently. On the agreements, he reassured that both agreements would enable the Sierra Leone Military to achieve its objectives.
Hon.Hindolo M.Gevao from Kailahun District commended the military for standing by the government on the recent failed coup d’etat. He praised both agreements and spoke generously about the expected benefits for the nation. On security issues, he said at Yenga in Kailahun District, the military in Guinea has permanently erected structures on the side of Sierra Leone. He urged the Government to continue diplomacy in engaging the Guineans to resolve the border issues.
He concluded that the agreements were not contentious and pleaded for speedy ratification. Hon.Bernadette W . Songa from Kailahun District added her voice to the debate and called for a unanimous decision on the Yenga Military Issue. On his part.Hon.PC Prince Lansana Bio from Bonthe District appreciated the agreements and requested speedy ratification from the House. Hon. Emilia Lolloh Tongi from Kailahun District commended the agreements and spoke well of the benefits of the Sierra Leone Military.
Parliamentary Chairman of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hon. Mohamed Bangura from Karene District, said the agreements benefit the nation. On the Yenga saga, he told Yenga belongs to Sierra Leone and noted that they should inform the Guinean Government about the issue. In rounding up the debate, Leader of Opposition Hon. Abdul Kargbo shared his experience of being raised in the military barracks. Regarding the Yenga saga, the opposition leader informed the House that war is unsuitable for any nation and advised that both governments should connect more engagement and diplomacy to address the dispute. The Opposition Leader echoed the powerfulness of the infant military of the RSLAF and urged officials to empower and maintain existing military structures.
He said the agreements spelt out the independence and sovereignty of both nations.”The military training and education are essential”, he affirmed. He pleaded for subsequent contracts to be brought for the air wing of the military to be equipped and also for the navy wing. “I want the military to use all military agreements that Parliament has ratified,” he said.
He urged the military to implement everything spelt out in the agreements. In concluding the debate, the Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon Mathew Sahr Nyuma, said both Parliaments should ratify the framework agreements.
He said approving the agreements would bring several positive things for the Sierra Leone military. He said the fundamental principle of these agreements brings about education and training that binds the UN Charter on Military contracts. Hon. Nyuma explained the ingredients of the agreements towards developing the Sierra Leone Military.
The Leader emphasised the engagement process in border conflict resolution .”You can fight using diplomacy”, he said. The Leader of the House also highlighted classified information in the agreements. He referred to the agreements as good and requested the proper implementation.
