By Ahmed Sahid Nasralla (De Monk)
When a soldier lays down his gun and uniform after diligent and professional service, the nation pauses, not in sorrow, but in gratitude.
Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Alhaji Brima Sesay, affectionately known as “General Burreh,” has officially retired after nearly four decades of unbroken public service, thirty-four years in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) and five years as Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA).
His is a story of quiet strength, humility, and discipline; of a patriot who understood that leadership is not about power, but purpose; not about command, but compassion.
A SOLDIER’S SOLDIER
Born on 4th June 1965 in Musaia, Dembelia Musaia Chiefdom, Falaba District, Brima Sesay’s path to greatness began far from the corridors of privilege. A graduate of Fourah Bay College with a Bachelor of Arts and Diploma in Education, he chose service over comfort; trading the classroom for the battlefield when he enlisted as an officer cadet in 1991, as Sierra Leone was engulfed in civil war.
At Moa Barracks in Daru, the young Second Lieutenant earned a reputation for bravery under fire. His former commander, Colonel (Rtd.) B.S. Conteh, recalls sending him on a risky recapture mission after rebel forces had overrun an army position:
“He recaptured the post with only one soldier wounded,” Conteh remembers. “That night, I saw the makings of a fine soldier.” And indeed, he was.
From that day, Brima Sesay would embody the discipline, professionalism, and integrity that would define his 34-year military career.
A PROFESSIONAL TO THE CORE
Rising steadily through the ranks, he served successive governments with the same loyalty and dedication; first as Chief of Defence Staff under President Ernest Bai Koroma, and later retained by President Julius Maada Bio in the same position. Like the late U.S. General Colin Powell, he served the nation, not politics.
His tenure was marked by quiet but firm leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening the army’s professionalism. Officers who worked with him speak of a man who valued honesty, discipline, and empathy as much as tactical brilliance.
When a senior colleague fell ill after an accident, it was General Sesay who personally ensured his medical evacuation, a gesture that typified his loyalty and humanity.
FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO THE FRONTLINES OF DISASTER
When he retired from the army, he was not done serving Sierra Leone. In 2020, President Bio appointed him Director General of the National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA), a new institution charged with responding to the country’s frequent natural disasters.
Once again, the General answered the call of duty.
“He brought structure where there was uncertainty, and order where there was complexity,” recalls Mohamed L. Bah Esq., NDMA’s Director of Communications.
Under his leadership, the NDMA became a symbol of efficiency and compassion, a “well-oiled machine of humanity,” as one staff member describes it.
General Sesay believed disaster management was not just about logistics, but about restoring dignity and hope. He was there on the ground whenever tragedy struck; calm, firm, and reassuring.
A HUMBLE EXIT, A LASTING LEGACY
When news of his retirement broke, many expected the usual emotions of loss or regret. Instead, the General responded with grace and humility:
“I have served this country for more than 20 years,” he said. “I need to rest now so that others can grow.”
That statement defines the man: selfless, patriotic, and deeply human.
He leaves behind a legacy etched in military history, and in the hearts of those he led and served. A legacy built on honour, compassion, and country first.
A PATRIOT BEYOND THE UNIFORM
Though retired, those who know him well believe General Burreh still has much to offer. His wealth of experience in security and governance makes him a natural mentor and adviser for the next generation of officers and national leaders.
For those of us privileged to have known him personally, as a family friend, a trusted visitor, and a model of simplicity, his retirement is not an ending, but the beginning of a new chapter in service to Sierra Leone.
He may have laid down the uniform, but his example still stands tall: a quiet reminder that true greatness comes not from position, but from purpose.
The NATION SALUTES YOU SIR
As he retreats into well-earned rest, perhaps tending his farm in Musaia or enjoying time with his grandchildren, we salute him: as a soldier, as a statesman, a mentor, and a patriot.
Lieutenant General (Rtd.) Alhaji Brima Sesay, “General Burreh”: a soldier’s soldier, a gentleman’s gentleman. Your country thanks you for diligent, selfless and patriotic service.
Note: The author is Ex-Officio of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ).
Ticha Lemp Lemp | Friday 7th November 2025 | Front Page Lead Story | Forces News | Pages 6 & 7
