India's Defence Adviser Calls On President Kabbah
By Marian Samu

The Indian Defence Adviser responsible for the African sub-region, and based in Nigeria, Col Praveen Dixit, has paid a courtesy call on H.E. President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah at his Hill Station Office in Freetown. Col. Praveen Dixit who is here as guest of the Ministry of Defence had discussions with President Kabbah on various issues regarding India's intervention in the restructuring programme of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces.

President Kabbah thanked the Indian government for their prompt response to his call which he said manifests India's interest in Sierra Leone. The President informed Col. Dixit that the reason for his call for assistance is based on preparation for the withdrawal of UNAMSIL from the country. He spoke about the need to restructure the Military and its areas of operation all over the country. President Kabbah said they have so far received assistance from DFID in the area of logistics and training and particularly the provision of vehicles.

Even though much has been done, President Kabbah maintained that there is still more to be done especially in areas like the east of the country and elsewhere where the barracks are in a very deplorable condition, mainly as a result of devastation caused by the war. He cited the training of soldiers as one of the main issues in the restructuring programme.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Col. Sam Mboma, said after a detailed discussion on needs of the Military, they will be taking Col Dixit to the Benguema Military Training Centre where he will have the opportunity to see and assess their training needs. Col. Dixit was also told about the PEBU project undertaken by the Military for the provision of barracks to house their soldiers at various locations of the country, as most of the military structures were demolished during the war. The CDS said they will very much appreciate if Indian Army Engineers could come to assist in this area.

Col. Dixit expressed gratitude to President Kabbah for granting him audience. He said India's association with Africa and particularly Sierra Leone has a very long history which they want to build on. He promised to convey to his government immediately on his return whatever information he gets now.

He also informed the President that his government is open to other areas of co-operation other than defence. He said that they are already operating a credit line which can be of benefit to Sierra Leone. Col. Dixit said his government presently has a $1.5 million assistance package for Africa. He assured the President of their willingness to assist and assist promptly where ever possible, especially in the area of unemployment as they are familiar with such problems and have also learnt from their own experience.

President Kabbah expressed interest in sharing information on how they were able to deal with their food security issue. He said he has great respect for India, because as a developing country he has been very much impressed with their development strides and stable democracy.

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