New Commander For IMATT In Sierra Leone
By Marian Samu

A new Commanding Officer for the International Military Advisory and Training Team (IMATT), Brigadier David Santa-Olalla, has been presented to His Excellency President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah in Freetown.

Commander Santa-Olalla was presented to President Kabbah by his predecessor, Brigadier Simon Porter, during a farewell courtesy call on the President. Commander Simon Porter, who has been in Sierra Leone for over a year now said he is leaving Sierra Leone with many memories, stating that the exercises he participated in while in Sierra Leone have helped him a lot, particularly in giving him the opportunity to take a comprehensive view of things.

President Kabbah praised Commander Simon Porter for his outstanding performance in Sierra Leone, adding that IMATT has always had wonderful people. He observed that the experience they have gone through over the period has taught them to learn to talk things out in solving problems, for which he said, Commander Simon and IMATT have always exemplified.

President Kabbah assured the incoming Commander of a pleasant relationship especially with the Chief of Defense Staff, Colonel Sam Mboma and the Deputy Defence Minister, Joe Blell, whom he described as friendable and congenial colleagues. He informed Commander Santa-Ollala that his predecessor had always identified himself with the government and people of Sierra Leone.

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