By Kabs Kanu
Sierra Leoneans are still confused about the mission of the ECOMOG multi- national force to be deployed in the country soon. And now the situation has been compounded by another new development —The signing of another military pact between President Maada Bio and the Michigan National Guard.
While the Sierra Leone government is contending that the force is coming to Sierra Leone to help the military forces stabilize the security situation in the country following last year’s alleged failed coup, supporters of the opposition All People’s Congress ( APC ) flagbearer for the 2018 and 2023 presidential elections, Dr. Samura Kamara , led by Abu Shaw, Mohamed Warisay and many loud bloggers have been seething on social media that ECOMOG was coming to overthrow President Maada Bio and install Dr. Kamara as new head of State.
THE GOVERNMENT SIDE
The Authority of Heads of State and governments of West Africa instructed the ECOWAS Commission to continue to support Sierra Leone. ” It further directs the Commission to facilitate the deployment of an ECOWAS Security Mission in Sierra Leone to help stabilize the country,”
On 7th July , 2024, the Authority ‘s final communique from its 65th Ordinary Session stated :
- cohesion and national unity.
- On Sierra Leone, the Authority commends the Government and the All Peoples Congress (APC) for the signing of the ‘Agreement for National Unity’ and urges them to commit to implementing it within the stipulated timeframe and persevere in resolving all differences within the agreement’s framework. The Authority further urges all stakeholders to commit to the implementation of the Report of the Tripartite Committee and refrain from resorting to violent means to avoid escalating the already tense political situation in the country. It directs the ECOWAS Commission to accompany the Government and people of Sierra Leone in the implementation of the ‘Agreement for National Unity’ and the recommendations of the Tripartite Committee’s It calls on development partners to continue supporting the Government and people of Sierra Leone in consolidating democracy, peace and socio-economic development.
- On the planned deployment of the ECOWAS Stabilisation Mission in Sierra Leone, the Authority welcomes the preparations made so far and directs the Commission and the Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff to expedite the arrangements with Troop Contributing Countries (TCC) towards the deployment of the Mission.
SAMURAKAMARA’S SUPPORTERS ARE HOLDING ON THIS PART OF THE STATEMENT OUTLINING THE ECOMOG MISSION :
” ….To implement a comprehensive and inclusive resolution to the current political crisis in Sierra Leone and to ensure long-term peace and stability. The military strategic objectives focus on deterring any threats of instability and creating favourable conditions for the prosperity of democracy.” They believe the comprehensive and inclusive resolution means that the 2024 elections disputes will be handled by ECOMOG and it that is the case, they will pronounce Samura Kamara victorious because the international community has found from their own RRF forms that Samura Kamara had 57% of the votes.
Also :
The mandate authorized/authorised Ecomisil to using all necessary means within the limits of its capacity and areas of deployment in the execution of the following tasks 👇👇
Support the defence forces to ensure a secured environment in the country.
Support the protection of vital state institutions.
Ensure security to the civilian population and support the defence and security forces in their efforts to improve security condition in accordance with international humanitarian laws.
Contribute to strengthening of trust between the population, the defence and security forces.
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If the government version is true, then questions need to be asked about why President Bio had to sign another agreement with the Michigan National Guard in the U.S. Why this new security arrangement with the Michigan National Guard ?
U.S EMBASSY FACEBOOK TWEET
A major milestone in U.S.-Sierra Leone security cooperation! The Michigan National Guard (MING) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) officially launched a State Partnership Program (SPP) during a signing ceremony in Freetown. This collaboration will focus on professional military education, humanitarian and disaster response, peacekeeping, and other joint exchanges.
U.S. Ambassador Bryan Hunt and RSLAF Lt. Gen. Peter Lavahun emphasized the importance of this partnership in strengthening regional security and cooperation. Cooperation activities are expected to begin before the end of 2024.
U.S MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS REPORT
Sierra Leone Officially Joins State Partnership Program with Michigan National Guard
September 12, 2024
LANSING, Mich. — As part of the ongoing security cooperation between the United States and Sierra Leone, the Michigan National Guard (MING) and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) formally established a State Partnership Program (SPP) in a signing ceremony in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Dignitaries from the U.S. and Sierra Leone attended the ceremony at the RSLAF Joint Forces Command Headquarters. Lt. Gen. Peter Lavahun, chief of defense staff for the RSLAF; U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; Sierra Leone Deputy Minister of Defense Muana Massaquoi; and U.S. Ambassador Bryan Hunt gave remarks. Ambassador Hunt noted that the ceremony marked the beginning of a “new and exciting chapter in the history of our joint partnership in security cooperation.”
The SPP supports U.S. policy objectives by linking the National Guard of a U.S. state with the armed forces of a sovereign partner nation for mutually beneficial security cooperation activities. The National Guard is a reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces. Many National Guard members serve part-time, which means they often bring valuable skills from their civilian occupations to the partnership, in addition to military training.
According to U.S. Maj. Gen. Rogers: “The SPP is a true exchange of expertise and provides a tremendous opportunity for our Soldiers and Airmen to gain increased global awareness and understanding while enhancing our readiness to deploy in diverse environments.”
Anticipated lines of effort in the new partnership include professional military education, humanitarian and disaster response operations, peacekeeping support, specialist skills and other joint exchanges and opportunities. Cooperation activities are expected to begin before the end of 2024.
Lt. Gen. Lavahun also recognized the value of the agreement. “This partnership will strengthen defense, security cooperation and will address lingering security challenges in the West African sub-region and the Gulf of Guinea.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer praised MING’s long track record of success with the State Partnership Program. In 1993, it was one of the first participants, partnering with Latvia, and in 2009 began a partnership with Liberia.
“Michigan has a long track record of success with the SPP since 1993 and we are proud to officially welcome Sierra Leone to the program,” said Governor Whitmer. “The Michiganders who serve in our National Guard represent the best of our state, and as commander in chief I am honored that we are extending our hand of friendship to even more partners. We know that our collaborations with Latvia and Liberia through the SPP have improved our state-to-state relationships and resulted in beneficial exchanges of people and ideas. Today, as we welcome Sierra Leone, let’s recommit ourselves to build on the SPP’s strong foundation and work closely with our skilled military leadership and brave service members to keep our people safe.”
Photos of the signing ceremony are available for use here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBHcAS.
For U.S. Embassy media inquiries, please contact U.S. Embassy Media Coordinator Alhassan Jalloh at [email protected].
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