By Kemo Cham
The new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has assumed office after taking the oath in front of President Julius Maada Bio on Monday.
Sullay Ibrahim Sesay, who was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-General by the president prior to taking his oath of office, was tasked with leading renewed efforts to regain past glory of the army.
A new Joint Force Commander, in the person of Patrick K Lavahun, was also sworn into office. He was promoted to Major-General.
Sesay replaced Lieutenant-General Brima Bureh Sesay, while Lavahun replaced Sesay as Joint Force Commander.
According to a news release from State House, the President told the new appointees that their elevation brought with it bigger responsibilities. He specifically tasked them to lead renewed efforts to regain the past glory of the RSLAF as a force that was respected in and outside Sierra Leone.
“I need not remind you that the task ahead is daunting and can be daunting at times, but you have a shoulder in me to always rest on," Bio stated.
He added: "As a government, our aim is to develop this nation and in that process, we need your support. The Armed Forces form an important element in the development of any nation and we hope that you will provide the leadership necessary."
Lieutenant-General Sesay appreciated his promotion and thanked the President and people of Sierra Leone for the confidence bestowed in them as senior military leaders at the head of the RSLAF. While assuring the president of their loyalty, he promised to lead the force into a progressive future and support the government's development agenda.
“I thank you for your good leadership as our Commander-In-Chief of the RSLAF and your good dreams for your great institution – the RSLAF. We continue to relentlessly pledge our loyalty and commitments to you and the people of Sierra Leone now and always,” Sesay said.
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