By Blessing C. Cole
The Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition (SLeCAA) has launched a nationwide operation to destroy unserviceable weapons, aiming to prevent potential hazards and ensure these arms do not fall into the wrong hands.
The exercise, which began on March 9, 2025, will continue until March 13, covering multiple locations, including Makeni at Teko Barracks, Bo at Gondama Barracks, and Kenema. Additionally, from March 15 to 23, similar destruction activities will take place at the 2 Brigade Headquarters and the Armed Forces Training Centre (AFTC) in Benguma Barracks.
This operation is being coordinated by the Regional Coordinator for the North, along with Acting Regional Coordinators for the South, Southeast, and Western Area. They are representing the Commissioner of SLeCAA, Major General Christian Fahim Marah, throughout the activities.
The nationwide destruction is supported by the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in collaboration with SLeCAA, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), and SLeCAA’s Advisory Committee.
In November 2024, SLeCAA secured funding from the Voluntary Trust Fund (VTF) of the ATT to procure weapon destruction equipment, train security personnel on its use, and facilitate the disposal of unserviceable state-owned weapons. These include arms held by the RSLAF, the SLP, and weapons classified as exhibits by the Sierra Leone Judiciary.
By undertaking this large-scale destruction, the government is taking crucial steps to prevent these obsolete weapons from being used in criminal activities. The operation will also significantly reduce stockpiles held by the military and law enforcement agencies.
To address public concerns, community sensitization efforts have been carried out to ensure citizens are informed and reassured about the process.
The Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) is an international, legally binding agreement aimed at regulating the global trade of conventional arms and preventing their illicit use.
