Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08FREETOWN519
2008-10-27 16:54:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:  

REQUEST FOR ASSESSMENT OF REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE

Tags:  MARR MASS MCAP PGOV SL 
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VZCZCXRO5788
OO RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0519/01 3011654
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 271654Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2277
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000519 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/RSA, AF/FO
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT FOR OSD - DAS WHALEN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2018
TAGS: MARR MASS MCAP PGOV SL
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR ASSESSMENT OF REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE
ARMED FORCES (RSLAF) FOR ENTRY INTO ACOTA

Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4(b/d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000519

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/RSA, AF/FO
DEFENSE DEPARTMENT FOR OSD - DAS WHALEN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2018
TAGS: MARR MASS MCAP PGOV SL
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR ASSESSMENT OF REPUBLIC OF SIERRA LEONE
ARMED FORCES (RSLAF) FOR ENTRY INTO ACOTA

Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4(b/d)


1. (U) Summary: U.S. Embassy Freetown requests Department and
the Office of the Secretary of Defense to conduct a
feasibility assessment of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed
Forces (RSLAF). The assessment concerns entry into the Africa
Contingency Operations Technical Assistance (ACOTA) Program.
Suggested timeframe for the assessment is NOV 2008 through
JAN 2009. Suggested meetings include the Sierra Leone
Ministry of Defense (MOD),the UK-led International Military
Advisory Training Team (IMATT),and the RSLAF 5th Brigade in
Bo. Post and other allies strongly support RSLAF inclusion in
the ACOTA Program, and recognize that their membership would
have long-term impact on regional security interests. End
Summary.


2. (U) The RSLAF are prepared to provide one light infantry
company to the ECOWAS Standby Force and three light infantry
companies to the UN for peacekeeping deployments. The
Minister of Defense and the Chief, Defense Staff (CDS) have
expressed a willingness to volunteer for hard assignments
wherever needed and flexibility in specializing in areas such
as transportation or military police. To demonstrate its
commitment to engaging in peacekeeping operations, the CDS
and the deputy IMATT commander traveled to New York in JUL
2008 for talks with the UN Peacekeeping Division. As a
result, Sierra Leone will strengthen its relationship with
the Division by observing its operations. To date, the RSLAF
have sent a Defense AttachQ to the UN for coordinating Sierra
Leone's military peacekeeping contributions and have selected
nine officers to serve as HQ staff officers or UN observers
at missions in East Timor, Nepal, Somalia or Sudan.


3. (C) The RSLAF is a small professionalizing force with an
expected strength of 8,500 troops by mid 2009, but has
equipment needs, and lacks training and experience in
company/battalion-size peacekeeping. Despite these
challenges, it has greatly benefited since 2001 from

outstanding British training, mentoring and tutelage in small
unit tactics, company to brigade-size mission planning,
training at the tactical, operational and strategic levels,
and staff officer capacity building. This training has helped
distinguish the RSLAF as a very capable force worthy of entry
into ACOTA. The RSLAF currently has sustainable peacekeeping
capability thanks to the UK's training and financing. IMATT
and the U.S. Defense AttachQ believe that the RSLAF could be
ready to field a battalion by late 2009/early 2010 provided
they are given battalion-level training. Slow integration
into UN peacekeeping missions will ensure further readiness.


4. (C) ACOTA membership supports U.S. strategic regional
objectives. The U.S. Embassy, U.S. Defense Attache, and IMATT
strongly support RSLAF entry into ACOTA also for the
following reasons: a) the Sierra Leone government has
supported U.S. positions and shown commitment to human rights
and democratic principles through visible action on major
issues such as public and UN recognition of Kosovo
independence and admonishment of the Zimbabwean government
for election fraud; b) ACOTA membership will continue to
upgrade the developing capabilities of the five companies
already trained by IMATT; c) it meets USG strategic goals in
the Mano River Union by creating a buffer between Guinea and
Liberia, which are unstable at best, chaotic at worst; d)
ACOTA membership provides cash flow into the military that
would increase financial stability within the ranks,
significantly reducing the threat of instability from within;
e) membership would provide the MOD with the capability to
purchase equipment and an expanded range of operational
capabilities; and, f) ACOTA training would continue to
contribute to the professionalism of the RSLAF, reducing the
risks of human rights violations. It would continue to build
the RSLAF's solid, dedicated force, while ameliorating the
budgetary pressures that risk good order and discipline.
ACOTA participation will ensure that the RSLAF will be part
of the solution in any internal or sub-regional conflicts,
rather than part of the problem. The RSLAF is also key to
preventing further regional drug smuggling and terrorist
threats.


5. (C) Comment: While the RSLAF face considerable challenges
with regards to professionalization, particularly due to
financial constraints, it has the potential to become a
leader in the sub-region with regards to versatility and
operational excellence. The current political regime is
strongly in favor of the USG and of putting action behind
their words of support for protecting human rights and
guaranteeing peace, both in Sierra Leone and abroad. Without
encouragement from the USG and other donors, the government

FREETOWN 00000519 002 OF 002


will be unable to support its rhetoric with appreciable
outputs. Sierra Leone is arguably the most stable country in
the Mano River Union, but is still vulnerable to economic and
social pressures. Allowing Sierra Leone to slip back into
instability and conflict would run counter to USG interests.
Supporting the RSLAF now will be a significant investment in
future regional security. End Comment.

PERRY