By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s Brigadier General Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi has been appointed as the new Chief of Staff of the ECOWAS Standby Force, marking a historic milestone for the country and its armed forces.
The appointment is a landmark achievement, as Brigadier General Massaquoi becomes the first Sierra Leonean officer to occupy the prestigious regional command position within the Economic Community of West African States security architecture. His elevation is widely seen as recognition of Sierra Leone’s growing contribution to regional peace and security.
Brigadier General Massaquoi is a proud alumnus of Bo School, one of Sierra Leone’s most respected secondary institutions. He later pursued advanced military education at the National Defense University in the United States of America, where he received high level training in strategic leadership, defense management and international security affairs.
Since joining the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces RSLAF in 1994, Brigadier General Massaquoi has risen steadily through the ranks, building a reputation for professionalism, discipline and dedication to service. Over the years, he has held several key command, logistics and administrative positions, both within Sierra Leone and in international assignments.
His wide ranging experience includes leadership roles that required operational planning, coordination of multinational forces and management of complex security operations. These experiences are expected to serve him well in his new role, which demands strategic oversight, coordination and effective command within the ECOWAS Standby Force.
As Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Massaquoi will play a central role in planning, organizing and supporting regional military operations aimed at maintaining peace, stability and security across West Africa. The ECOWAS Standby Force is a critical component of the region’s collective security framework, often deployed to respond to conflicts, political instability and humanitarian crises.
Military analysts say his appointment reflects confidence in Sierra Leone’s military leadership and highlights the professionalism of the RSLAF. They note that Sierra Leone’s armed forces have, over the years, gained international respect through participation in peacekeeping missions and regional security initiatives.
The appointment has been welcomed by government officials, security experts and members of the public, who see it as a source of national pride. Many believe Brigadier General Massaquoi’s leadership will strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS member states and enhance the effectiveness of the Standby Force.
His new role also serves as an inspiration to young officers within the RSLAF, demonstrating that dedication, training and integrity can lead to high level positions within regional and international institutions.
As he takes up his duties, Brigadier General Massaquoi is expected to bring professionalism, experience and a strong sense of regional solidarity to the ECOWAS Standby Force, further reinforcing Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace and security in West Africa.
