Freetown, 29th October, 2025 –The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has firmly denied recent media reports alleging a four-month disruption in rice supply to troops, describing the publication as “false and unethical.”

In a write up by Lieutenant Colonel, Yayah Brima, Director of Defence, Public Relations and Information dated Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the RSLAF clarified that its food supply chain remains uninterrupted and well-managed, ensuring consistent delivery of rice and other essential rations to personnel nationwide. “There has been no disruption in the regular supply of rice,” the statement read. “The institution maintains a steady and well-managed food supply chain to support operational effectiveness and troop morale.”

The RSLAF also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Government’s Feed Salone Initiative through large-scale agricultural investments across the country. Notable projects include:

  • 550 acres of cashew intercropped with beans and pepper in Mabalay, Gbakeh Loko Chiefdom, Port Loko District
  • 500 acres of animal farming in Musaia, Dembeleyah Chiefdom, Falaba District
  • 250 acres for fish farming in Bumpeh Tabay, Gao Chiefdom, Bo District
  • 600 acres of rice cultivation in Yoni, Kamajei Chiefdom, Moyamba District

To consolidate these efforts, the RSLAF has established and registered the Lion Agricultural Company, which will oversee all military-led agricultural activities.

During his recent provincial tour, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Lieutenant-General Amara Idara Bangura assured troops that by 2026, the RSLAF would be equipped to produce sufficient rice to meet its own needs. “RSLAF will feed itself by 2027,” he affirmed.

Lieutenant-General Bangura also credited President Julius Maada Bio, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for laying the foundation for military-led agricultural expansion through strategic international engagements.

As part of these efforts, the RSLAF recently hosted a delegation from the Egyptian Armed Forces, led by Major General Hesham Abdel Mohsen El-Ghareib El Gendy. The delegation assessed opportunities to support RSLAF in agriculture, medical services, engineering, and border guard training. This visit followed the ratification of a Military Cooperation Protocol between Egypt and Sierra Leone, approved by Parliament on March 26, 2024.