By Ragan M. Conteh
Hon. Members of Parliament especially from the opposition on Tuesday 19th November 2019 have disclosed that, they are so far satisfied with the manner in which the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) is comporting and carrying out itself.
The RSLAF has been commended for respecting the basic tenets of democracy.
The MPs revealed that, the perfect conduct of the security forces especially the military shows that they are ready to keep the peace and protect the country’s territorial integrity and its citizens irrespective of their religion, political, tribal affiliations.
The MPs however discredited the Sierra Leone Police for the nonchalant behavior and heavy handedness on opposition supporters over the last months since the SLPP took office.
The Acting Leader of Opposition, Hon. Hassan Sesay stated that, the approval of Brig. Retired Kellie Conteh as Defense Minister could be an impetus to the prestige of the RSLAF.
Hon. MP cautioned the new Minister of Defense not to take orders from above and that it has the tendency to discredit his hard earned reputation and that of the RSLAF.
Hon. Hassan appealed to Brig. Retired Kellie Conteh to Work towards improving the conditions of the military personnel especially those in high ranks.
Hon. Lahai Marah representing Constituency 042 in Koinadugu District and Hon. Abdul Kargbo representing Constituency 077 in Kafu They said the brutal beaten and removal of the opposition MPs in the Well of Parliament, the firing of teargas at the Headquarters of the opposition APC Party, selective arrest of opposition supporters is one among the many cases of injustice meted out by the police in the course of executing their duties.
Hon. Dr. Kandeh Yumkella representing Constituency 062 stated that, the country currently has over 20,000 ex-combatants. He implored on the new Defense Minister to take serious consideration of this fact and work closely to achieve national unity.
The NGC leader also drew the attention of Brig. Rtd Kellie over the increasing involvement of military officers in land conflicts across the country and noted that this is not good for the image of the country.