The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has confirmed the deployment of an ECOWAS Stabilization Force in the coming weeks or months.
Director of Defense Public Relations and Information, Colonel Issa Bangura, stated that the force will strengthen Sierra Leone’s security apparatus in light of recent riots, demonstrations and a failed coup attempt.

“ECOWAS has decided to deploy a sizeable force to support our security sector,” said Col. Bangura. “This will deter any attempts at unconstitutional power grabs.”
He emphasized Sierra Leone’s importance as a member state and the international community’s investments in maintaining peace and security. “We won’t allow the country to regress into conflict,” he declared.

This deployment follows a decision by ECOWAS leaders during their 64th Ordinary Session in Abuja, Nigeria. The leaders strongly condemned the November 26 coup attempt and called for justice through due process. They directed the ECOWAS Commission to support Sierra Leone and facilitate the deployment of a stabilization mission.

An ECOWAS delegation led by President Dr. Omar Allieu Turay previously met with the Bio administration to discuss the possibility of deploying a standby force. This confirmed deployment signifies a concrete step towards bolstering security in Sierra Leone.