The Government of Sierra Leone has on Tuesday 9 August 2022 directed the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to assist the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) under the backing of Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP) Policy in the Emergency Category in order to restore law and order in the country.

The Military Aid to Civil Power Policy Directive will cover the period of 9 to 12 August 2022.

According to the government, the directive is consequent on the potentially volatile security situation in the country caused by repeated social media incitements of the gullible population to embark on a countrywide violent demonstrations with the aim of subverting the peace and stability of the state.

Full details of the directives is stated below:

“The Government of Sierra Leone, The Honourable Vice President and Deputy Chairman of the National Security Council has directed the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) to assist the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) under the backing of Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP) Policy in the Emergency Category. This directive takes effect on the date of this correspondence.

The directive is consequent on the potentially volatile security situation in the country caused by repeated social media incitements of the gullible population to embark on a countrywide violent demonstrations with the aim of subverting the peace and stability of the state. The SLP has assessed its resources and advised that it may not alone cope with the emerging security situation.

The object of the directive is to ensure that proportionate plans are made and necessary actions taken by the RSLAF in support of the SLP to ensure the security of the state and its wellbeing.

Anchoring on Emergency MACP, it is expected that the joint SLP and RSLAF operations will be appropriate and proportionate. Also, it is hoped that the processes will provide robust and capable frameworks for a professional handling of the emerging security challenges and in the future geared towards achieving peace and stability.”