New RSLAF High Command Announced
By Yusuf Alghali

Former Brigadier Sam Mboma has been officially confirmed to the office of Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) with the rank of Major-General effective today 1st December 2003. The promotion follows an earlier announcement made by Commander-in-Chief of the RSLAF, President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, regarding certain staff changes in the national Armed Forces.

Speaking at the change of command ceremony held at Wilberforce Hockey Pitch on Monday, the President announced that after due consultations had been completed and the agreement reached had been approved by the Defence Council he was pleased to effect the changes in accordance with ongoing reform within the armed forces.

Major-General Sam Mboma has in effect succeeded the out-gone Major General Tom Carew as Chief of Defence Staff, while Brigadier Alfred Nelson-Williams has been confirmed as Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and will retain his rank and title as Brigadier and Assistant Chief of Defence Staff, Operations and Plans.

Colonel Robert Yira Koroma will, upon his return from military studies in Nigeria, assume the post of Joint Force Commander with the rank of Brigadier (substantive). However, this promotion for Colonel Yira Koroma will only be effective upon his return and assumption of duties. Meanwhile, until Col. Yira Koroma's return, the position will be temporarily occupied by Colonel M.A. Sesay, who will also with effect from today, act as temporary Brigadier.

Also affected by the staff changes announced today is Navy Captain A.A. Koroma of the Navy, who will henceforth occupy the position of Assistant CDS Logistics and Support in an acting capacity as Commodore. Colonel M.K. Dumbuya will occupy the position of Assistant CDS Training and Personnel at the level of temporary Brigadier. Other middle-level promotions will be announced shortly by Major-General Sam Mboma. Defence Staff

In his farewell statement, outgoing Chief of Defence Staff Major General Tom Carew described the occasion as "a very symbolic day" in his life, having served the "noble institution and country for 33 unbroken years".

"I dedicated my whole life to serve my country and people with the utmost devotion, loyalty and presence of mind. I am leaving the military with the highest honour - Officer of Order of the Rokel (OR). I am finally bidding farewell to the military to take up a special assignment elsewhere," the former military chief told a large crowd of military officers and other ranks at the handing over ceremony.

He said he was sure that it was in recognition of his devoted service that it had pleased His Excellency, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces to consider him for a new appointment in another field of service to the nation. "This is good history," he said, expressing his delight for such an arrangement, which he maintained would give him the opportunity to continue to serve his country in any capacity. However, General Carew appealed for forgiveness from all those he might have wronged in one way or another during the course of his military career and leadership. In a similar vein, he paid tributes to the efforts of the IMATT teams past and present, UNAMSIL, the Office of National Security, the Sierra Leone Police and the various embassies and consulates for their vital roles in the restructuring and re-organisation of the armed forces. On a final departing note, the General said: "I want to leave you with another adage, which says that 'once a good military man, always a good professional for a better civilian outlet'".

The ceremony was first of its kind since independence in 1961 where a change of command at the highest level in the armed forces was effected and celebrated in the full view of the public and at which officers, men and women of the RSLAF participated. The atmosphere was euphoric amid a military parade and jubilant soldiers who chanted songs and praises for President Kabbah.