*Ministry of Youth Affairs and Ministry of Defence Sign Landmark MOU to Empower Sierra Leone’s Youth*
*MOYA Freetown, 3rd November 2025.*
A landmark partnership aimed at fostering national development and empowering Sierra Leone’s young people has been sealed between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Defence and Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed at the Defence Headquarters, Cockerill Barracks, in Freetown.
Held at the Rotunda Hall, the signing ceremony formalized a strategic collaboration between the two ministries to promote youth engagement, discipline, and capacity-building through coordinated programmes and initiatives.
The MOU was officially endorsed by Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs, and Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, Deputy Minister of Defence. The occasion was witnessed by senior officials and representatives from both ministries, marking a milestone in inter-ministerial cooperation for national progress.
Delivering his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, expressed gratitude and optimism over the new partnership. He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to supporting national youth development and emphasized the shared responsibility of both ministries in shaping a disciplined, productive, and patriotic generation.
*“We are indeed grateful for this partnership. The young people of Sierra Leone are the bedrock of our future, and through this collaboration, we aim to instill a renewed sense of purpose, discipline, and patriotism,”* stated Lt. Gen. Bangura.
In his address, Colonel (Rtd) Muana Brima Massaquoi, Deputy Minister of Defence, described the MOU as a patriotic undertaking that reinforces national unity and civic responsibility among young people. He highlighted that the agreement will open new pathways for youth to contribute meaningfully to nation-building through initiatives that align with both defence and development priorities.
Meanwhile, Mr. Ibrahim Sannoh, Minister of Youth Affairs, commended the bravery, professionalism, and gallantry of the RSLAF, praising their unwavering service to the nation. He described the partnership as a milestone in advancing the Ministry’s mission to empower young people with discipline, leadership, and practical life skills.
*”This MOU signifies a new dawn for Sierra Leone’s youth. Through this partnership, we are unlocking opportunities that will shape the future of our young men and women. The military’s structured discipline and values will serve as a model for our youth empowerment agenda,”* Minister Sannoh noted.
The event concluded with photo sessions and a show of camaraderie between officials of the two ministries, symbolizing the strong alliance that will drive the implementation of the MOU.
The collaboration between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and the Ministry of Defence/RSLAF is expected to pave the way for initiatives that strengthen youth leadership, employability, and civic responsibility, further contributing to peace, discipline, and national development.
*The End*
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