The Ministry of Defense over the weekend celebrated the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces maiden Durbar Day at the Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown with a march guard competition among various Joint Forces, and presentation of the core review followed by a group discussion on the way forward for the Sierra Leone Army.
The historic occasion and first of its kind in the country was graced by top officials in the security sector, retired officers of RSLAF, IMMAT, Mongolians of UN- Special Court, Members of Parliament, Government Ministers and the general public.
Durbar is a traditional military milestone adopted to ensure grass root interface within an institutional hierarchy and a useful medium to translate policy directives across the force. The practice is common place in contemporary armed forces, especially in the sub-region.
The entire celebration commenced with a fanfare, amidst cultural exhibition and guard march showcased various types of military parades. The guard march competition was won by the Ministry of Defense under the command of Cpt. DD Atkins followed by HQ JFC and the Freetown Garrison Juba Station all took along attractive medals, with an address by the Defense Minister Paolo Conteh climaxing.
After the drumming, dancing and parading in the morning hours, senior officers other ranks and guests converged at the JCU FORE COURT to listen to a well packaged presentation by Major Kemoh Sesay on the Core Review plan intended to transform the army to a sizable and effective force.
In his presentation he outlined the significance of the core review plan and its impact followed by challenges and recommendations on the way forward for the Army, AIG Moigbeh was also present and spoke vividly about Military Police relationship.
Several interactive questions, suggestions and recommendations were made at the forum.
By Saidu Bah
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