AYV News, February 20, 2026
Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the First Lady, the Chief Minister, senior government officials, diplomats, and other distinguished delegates joined President Julius Maada Bio and soldiers of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces to commemorate the 17th Armed ForcesDay Parade at the Julius Maada Bio Parade Square in Wilberforce.
The ceremony, held under the theme “Rebuilding the RSLAF Through Strategic Transformation for Enhanced National Security and Development in Sierra Leone,” brought together serving and retired personnel, veterans, families of fallen heroes, and citizens in a solemn yet celebratory national moment.
The parade honoured the courage, discipline, and dedication of the men and women in uniform, highlighting their vital role in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s peace, stability, and democratic order.
Addressing the gathering, Sierra Leone’s President, Minister of Defence and Commander-in-Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, Julius Maada Bio, described Armed Forces Day as a solemn national moment of honour, reflection, and pride.
He paid glowing tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of officers and enlisted personnel, emphasizing that the peace and stability the nation enjoys today are safeguarded by their vigilance and loyalty to the Constitution.
Drawing on Sierra Leone’s painful civil war history, he warned that instability must never be allowed to return, strongly rejecting unconstitutional changes of government and urging unwavering allegiance to democratic order.
A major highlight of the President’s address was the official launch of Sierra Leone’s first home-grown National Defence Policy and Strategy, providing a framework for transforming the armed forces into a professional, disciplined, and future-ready institution. President Bio outlined comprehensive military reforms, expanded peacekeeping commitments, and improved welfare measures including approved salary increases for all ranks effective April 2026 while reiterating his commitment to passing the long-awaited Veterans Bill.
He also expressed gratitude to ECOWAS, the United Nations, the African Union, and other international partners for their continued support in strengthening peace and security in the country.
Observed annually on 18th February, Armed Forces Day honours military personnel dead, retired, and serving including those who defended the nation during the civil war and those who continue to serve in peacekeeping and disaster-response missions at home and abroad.
The celebration also incorporates the legacy of Myohaung Day, marking Sierra Leone’s 1945 victory in the Battle of Myohaung during the Second World War.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards to distinguished officers and personnel for exemplary service. Among those honoured was the Chief of Defence Staff, lieutenant General, Idara Bangura, recognised for his leadership and commitment to advancing reforms within the armed forces.
The parade ended on a high note, highlighting the President’s and Vice President’s shared commitment to a professional, disciplined, and constitutionally loyal armed force dedicated to safeguarding Sierra Leone’s peace, Sovereignty, and national development.
