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The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Sierra Leone Police launched a massive cleaning operation along the Lumley and Aberdeen beaches today, responding to a call from the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs in celebration of World Tourism Day.
The exercise saw over 1,000 military personnel deployed alongside a large contingent of engineering equipment, tools, and trucks to clear significant accumulations of seaweed and other waste materials.
The cleanup, organized by the Ministry and the National Tourist Board, marked a collaborative effort involving key stakeholders across the security sector.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabila Tunis, led the initiative and addressed the media at the site. She stressed the importance of the large-scale intervention, noting that the volume of waste and human activity along the popular beaches has grown significantly without consistent, regular cleanups.
“Our beaches, especially here in Lumley and Aberdeen, are some of the most beautiful in West Africa, but they are under threat from unmanaged waste and neglect,” Minister Tunis stated.
She highly commended the security forces, highlighting the event as a demonstration of the “deepening partnership between the Ministry and national security institutions.”
In addition to the physical cleanup, the Ministry announced it is hosting a stakeholder consultation and brainstorming session focused on developing sustainable strategies for ongoing beach management and environmental protection.
Minister Tunis concluded with a firm warning to those contributing to pollution. “This is a collective responsibility. We are calling on everyone — residents, visitors, and business operators — to treat our beaches with respect. Authorities will take appropriate measures against those who violate environmental regulations.”
The day-long event is part of a broader commitment by the Ministry to promote eco-tourism and safeguard Sierra Leone’s natural heritage.
