AYV News, March 4, 2026
The Minority Leader of Parliament, Abdul Kargbo, has called for a careful and strategic review of any proposal concerning the future of Juba Barracks, emphasising its longstanding national security importance.
According to Hon. Kargbo, Juba Barracks was strategically established along the western coastline of Freetown due to its military significance. He noted that the Juba–Lumley axis sits directly on the Atlantic Ocean, providing a vantage point over key maritime routes and strengthening Sierra Leone’s coastal defensecapacity.
“The decision to locate the barracks there was driven by national security and logistical considerations, not by aesthetics or commercial interest,” he stated.
Hon. Kargbo observed that over time, the surrounding area has developed into what is now considered prime residential property, leading to increased commercial interest in the sea-facing location.
He argued that such a shift in perception raises legitimate policy questions, stressing that national defense infrastructure must be assessed primarily on long-term security needs rather than short-term economic gains.
One of the justifications reportedly advanced for the proposed sale is that the facility does not meet modern military standards. However, the Minority Leader maintained that the appropriate response should be structured upgrading and modernization, not disposal.
“A strategically located military facility should be improved where necessary to meet acceptable standards,” he said.
Drawing from personal experience, Hon. Kargbo noted that he was born and raised at Lungi Garrison Barracks, where, according to him, conditions are far more dilapidated. He cited unreliable water supply, inadequate sanitation facilities and aging infrastructure, adding that in some cases, two officers share a single apartment.
These conditions, he said, highlight a broader national need for systematic improvement across military installations rather than selective relocation.
The public has also been presented with architectural renderings of a proposed new military facility in Masiaka, reportedly including a stadium and modern structures. While acknowledging the value of long-term planning, Hon. Kargbo cautioned that attractive drawings do not always translate into completed projects.
He referenced previously publicised concepts such as the Lungi Bridge and an international conference centerin Lungi that have yet to materialise.
“It is reasonable to question how a new military facility with a stadium would be prioritised when rehabilitation of the national stadium has taken years, resulting in the national team playing home matches in Liberia,” he noted.
Hon. Kargbo concluded by calling for a balanced and transparent national strategy toward military infrastructure. He emphasised that strengthening and modernising installations such as Juba, Lungi and other barracks across the country should be pursued through sustainable investment, fiscal discipline and clear accountability.
“Decisions concerning strategic facilities must prioritize long-term security, community stability and responsible management of national assets,” he stated.
The issue is expected to generate further debate as stakeholders weigh national security considerations against development and fiscal priorities.
