By Foday Jalloh
The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Head of Communications, Major J. Bassie in an interview elaborated on the role of the institution in the areas of democracy and security.
The senior military officer said since the advent of democracy in Sierra Leone, RSLAF continues to work with provisions of the rule governing the state.
Major J. Bassie added for over two decade the RSLAF has been supporting the conduct of multitier elections and continue to contribute to the growth of the country’s democracy.
“We will not go against the will of the people, as military we always work with the constitution and other international best practices,” he said.
Going back to memory lane, he disclosed that the foundation for RSLAF support in the conduct of elections in Sierra Leone was established by the late Ex-President Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabba.
According to the Head of Communications, the decision was reached following his overthrow by some junior officers because they were not commissioned.
when the former president was reinstated to governance, he constitutes and operationalized the MAC-P and other democratic pillars that has the tendency to enhance peace and stability that he noted is presently helping in the conduct of peaceful multitier elections over the years.
One among the many democratic pillars that was establishment by the late president Kabba is the Office of National Security (ONS) as a hub for security coordination of the security apparatuses in the country, he added.
The RSLAF will continues to support the Sierra Leone Police in general election in ensuring that the rights of voters are protected and secure atmosphere for the conduct of the said election, he said.
Military Aid to Civil Power (MACP) has ensures a successful transition from one president to another through the ballot box, he noted.
“Military Aid to Civil Power (MAC-P) is a document that authorizes the RSLAF’s support to the SLP in all internal security matters as and when required by the civil authority due to prevailing security situation”, he specify.
RSLAF’s Head of Communication narrated Supporting conduct of multi-tier elections and other required matters came to effect during the conduct of the SLP jointly in the elections when the late Ex-President Alhaji Dr. Ahmed Tejan Kabbah was re-elected as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone RSLAF supported the SLP jointly provided security prior, during and after elections for election observers, electoral management body, political parties and voters nationwide.
“The Military has been supporting the internal securities on several occasion, not only elections but other security matters that requires military support, which has been excelling mainly in Sierra Leone under the different civilian rule”, he disclosed.
Throughout all general elections conducted in Sierra Leone were peacefully to the admiration of international, regional election observers’ mission, Major J. Bassie said.
He said the RSLAF remains a Force that is law abiding, professional, loyal to the people and Government of Sierra Leone.
He promised that RSLAF will continue to uphold and maintain the democratic tenets and respect the will of the people.
