By Alhaji M.B. Jalloh, Information Attaché, Saudi Arabia
Sierra Leone’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has said in Saudi Arabia that the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) will continue to protect the territorial integrity of the nation at all times and “we would not compromise the security of our country.”
Lieutenant General John Edson Milton was in Saudi as part of President Koroma’s entourage that attended the just concluded Arab–Islamic American Summit in the Saudi capital of Riyadh – a summit which discussed, among other issues, international cooperation, global peace, security and ways to confront extremism and terrorism.
In a brief interview with the CDS at the Sheraton Hotel in central Riyadh, he encouraged the Sierra Leone Army to be one hundred percent loyal to the State and the Commander in-Chief of the Armed Forces, adding that, the task to remain loyal and professional to the state will be imbibed.
The Army Chief also paid tribute to the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma for his continued the support to the RSLAF and assured that improving the welfare of the army and ensuring standards in their operations are top on his agenda.
He reiterated that the army will do all it takes to ensure the unity of Sierra Leone as one indivisible nation. The CDS urged all officers, men and women of the RSLAF to do everything in their capacity to safeguard the unity, integrity and sovereignty of Sierra Leone. He said that is a paramount task of their professional calling and constitutional mandate.
Lt. Gen. Milton assured that the Sierra Leone army will remain apolitical and respect the Sierra Leone constitution at all times. The Army General also praised the army for their professional service to the nation and urged them to continue their hard work and dedication to duty.
