Freetown, 23rd February 2026 – The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has confirmed plans to construct a modern military housing complex in Masiaka, signalling a major step toward improving accommodation and welfare for personnel and their families.
According to Defence Spokesman Air Commodore Hassan Sei Coomber, the new facility will replace the aging Juba Barracks, which currently houses about 20 outdated buildings in a congested urban zone. Originally built outside Freetown, Juba Barracks has been overtaken by city expansion, limiting its operational suitability and long-term growth potential.
The Ministry of Defence revealed that several financing options are under review for the project, including sale, lease, public-private partnerships, or partial redevelopment of the Juba site. No final decision has yet been made, with each option undergoing detailed legal, financial, and strategic analysis.
Officials stressed that the transition is necessary, as only 30% of personnel currently live in barracks, with the majority residing in substandard or temporary civilian housing. The new Masiaka site has been secured to provide larger, purpose-built housing, expanded training facilities, and modern infrastructure suited to a professional force.
The Defence Ministry emphasized that any decision on Juba Barracks will adhere to constitutional and legal requirements, transparent stakeholder consultations, and independent oversight. The goal, it said, is to transform underutilized assets into productive capital that funds improved welfare, readiness, and infrastructure for the Armed Forces.
“The objective is clear: to replace outdated urban barracks with modern, well-planned accommodation that can house far more personnel in dignified, secure, and family-friendly conditions,” Coomber stated.
The Ministry of Defence and RSLAF pledged to maintain transparency throughout the process and promised to publicly announce the final decision once evaluations are complete.
