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The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has held a Change of Command ceremony at the 14th Infantry Battalion, Maple Leaf Barracks in Pujehun District, formally transferring leadership from outgoing Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Alice Korie Sesay to incoming commander Lieutenant Colonel Samura.
The ceremony, held on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, brought together senior military officers, soldiers, local authorities, community stakeholders and other guests.
Lieutenant Colonel Sesay, who assumed command in August 2025, said she became the first female combatant officer in RSLAF history to command a fighting unit. In her farewell remarks, she urged personnel to uphold discipline, professionalism, loyalty and teamwork while fulfilling their constitutional responsibility to protect the people and territorial integrity of Sierra Leone.
During her tenure, Sesay supported several development initiatives at Maple Leaf Barracks, including the construction of a perimeter fence, canteen and development centre. Pujehun District Officer Madam Adama Kamara Sowa commended her contributions, saying the initiatives improved conditions at the barracks and strengthened relations between the military and the surrounding community.
Sesay also introduced prizes and awards to recognise personnel for commitment, discipline and outstanding service.
Receiving the command, Lieutenant Colonel Samura thanked the RSLAF leadership for the confidence placed in him and commended Sesay for her service. He pledged to build on the gains achieved during her tenure and called on personnel to maintain professionalism, discipline, teamwork and commitment to duty.
The ceremony marked the formal transfer of command while highlighting Lieutenant Colonel Sesay’s contributions and setting expectations for continued operational effectiveness and development under the new leadership.
