Sierra Leone has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) aimed at boosting the country’s counter-terrorism efforts. The historic signing of the MOU and the launch of the IMCTC strategic initiative at the Freetown International Conference Centre (Bintumani) on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, aims to strengthen strategic partnerships. The partnership will focus on training defense forces personnel, who will in turn train religious leaders such as Imams and Pastors on counter-terrorism and extremist ideologies. Additionally, it seeks to develop expertise in anti-money laundering to combat terrorist financing and enhance national security, addressing threats from the volatile Sahel region.
With support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the initiative seeks to enhance governance, build capacity, and protect Sierra Leone and West Africa from terrorist expansion. The MOU was signed by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura on behalf of the Security Sector of Sierra Leone, and Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary-General of the IMCTC.
In his welcome address, National Security Coordinator of the Office of National Security (ONS) in Sierra Leone, Mr. Abdulai Caulker, commended the IMCTC delegates for the initiative to launch the Counter-Terrorism Coalition Strategy in Sierra Leone, highlighting the country’s commitment to collective security and global partnership. He emphasized that this milestone event marks a significant step in Sierra Leone’s counter-terrorism journey, enhancing intelligence-driven cooperation with IMCTC. Mr. Caulker praised His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s leadership in consolidating Sierra Leone’s alliance with IMCTC member states, strengthening regional security. He stressed the need for sustained joint action against evolving terrorist threats, leveraging strategic foresight, inter-agency coordination, and capacity building.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Morie Lengor, in his keynote address, emphasized that terrorism and extremism remain threats in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly the Sahel region, and require multilateral cooperation to prevent their spread. He commended the IMCTC for the initiative to train the security sector in Sierra Leone on counter-terrorism, which he said would add professional value to participants.
Major General Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary-General of the IMCTC, commended the Government of Sierra Leone for the hospitality accorded to him and his delegation. He emphasized the importance of integrated partnerships to tackle terrorism in the Sahel region, citing support from Saudi Arabia. “Terrorism is a global phenomenon that requires cross-border cooperation to protect communities,” Al-Moghedi stated. He emphasized that countering terrorism demands an integrated partnership, rather than fragmented efforts.
Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Barrie, provided a brief historical perspective on the formation of the IMCTC, founded in December 2015 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. He explained that the coalition aims to counter the misconception of Islam as a terrorist religion, promote unity among Islamic countries, and combat extremism globally. Ambassador Barrie requested the IMCTC for the following:
- capacity building to enhance Sierra Leone security sector readiness.
- the establishment of a counter-terrorism centre in Freetown
- Research collaboration, information sharing,
- Public diplomacy initiatives to counter extremist narratives.
The Deputy Minister of Defence (DMD) of Sierra Leone, Colonel (Rtd.) Muana Brima Massaquoi, on behalf of the Minister of Defence and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Sierra Leone, H.E Brigadier (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, expressed deep appreciation to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, for the strategic initiative in establishing the IMCTC. He said the Ministry of Defence remains committed to recognizing terrorism as a transnational threat that demands collective action, shared responsibility, and sustained partnership. On his personal behalf, and on behalf of the President and people of Sierra Leone, the DMD expressed appreciation for the launch and particularly, the three-week training component for the selected members of security forces.
The three-week training for Sierra Leone’s security sector will equip participants with skills to neutralize unexploded ordnance and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), including identification, towing, and safe disposal. The final week focuses on counter-terrorism operations, training participants to search, locate, and respond to explosive threats in realistic scenarios involving persons, vehicles, buildings, and areas.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Sierra Leone, Lieutenant General Amara Idara Bangura, delivered the vote of thanks.
