“RSLAF Protects the People, Not Rules Them,” President Bio Warns Against Military Takeover

President Julius Maada Bio has warned the Republic of Sierra Leone armed forces (RSLAF) that unconstitutional changes of government have “no place” in the country, stressing that the military exists to protect citizens and not to govern them.

The President delivered the message on Tuesday during the 17th Armed Forces Day commemoration held at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Ground at Wilberforce Barracks in Freetown.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), he addressed serving personnel, veterans and families gathered to honour fallen soldiers. “Today’s RSLAF does not rule the people but protect them,” President Bio declared in his keynote address as Special Guest of Honour.

He reminded members of the armed forces that their constitutional mandate is to safeguard the nation’s peace and security. He emphasized that discipline, professionalism and loyalty to democratic governance must remain the guiding principles of the RSLAF.

According to the President, transforming the military goes beyond providing modern equipment and logistics. He said it also requires strengthening values, discipline and an unwavering commitment to constitutional order.

Armed Forces Day, observed annually on February 18, commemorates soldiers who lost their lives during Sierra Leone’s 11-year civil war and honours the country’s historic victory in Mayoung during the Second World War.

Against this background of remembrance, President Bio’s warning comes at a time when military coups have increased in parts of West Africa. As current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the President reaffirmed his opposition to military takeovers in the region.

“As ECOWAS Chair, I continue to work with my peers to reject the normalisation of military takeovers in the region,” he said. “However, leadership begins at home, as Sierra Leone should be an example of restraint, professionalism and constitutional fidelity.”

President Bio cautioned that the military must never seize political power but instead safeguard peace and strengthen democratic governance. He stressed that maintaining peace in Sierra Leone is a shared responsibility among all citizens.

“The era of military interference in governance is over,” he concluded, pledging to uphold peace both within Sierra Leone and across West Africa.