Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08FREETOWN559
2008-12-01 14:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:  

SIERRA LEONE WILLING BUT NOT READY TO CONTRIBUTE

Tags:  KPKO MASS MCAP PGOV SL 
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VZCZCXRO3081
RR RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0559 3361451
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 011451Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2322
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000559 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (ESPRUILL),AF/RSA
(MSKARDON/CTRINGALE/MBITTRICK)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/01/2018
TAGS: KPKO MASS MCAP PGOV SL
SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE WILLING BUT NOT READY TO CONTRIBUTE
TO AMISOM

REF: A. STATE 125135

B. FREETOWN 519

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

C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000559

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/W (ESPRUILL),AF/RSA
(MSKARDON/CTRINGALE/MBITTRICK)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/01/2018
TAGS: KPKO MASS MCAP PGOV SL
SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE WILLING BUT NOT READY TO CONTRIBUTE
TO AMISOM

REF: A. STATE 125135

B. FREETOWN 519

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


1. (C) In response to reftel A, the Republic of Sierra Leone
Armed Forces (RSLAF) stated its willingness to contribute
battalions to peacekeeping operations, including the Africa
Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM),if properly equipped and
trained prior to departure. The RSLAF is primed for Africa
Contingency Operations Technical Assistance (ACOTA) training.
The U.S. and the United Kingdom-led International Military
Advisory Training Team (IMATT) agree that the RSLAF may need
six to nine months of training, equipping and organizing
under ACOTA to be ready to deploy. On 26 November 2008, the
RSLAF notified the United Nations of their intent to
contribute a Reconnaissance Company to the United Nations
Mission in Darfur, Sudan, but no timeline was provided. Post
has requested an ACOTA assessment team visit by early 2009
(reftel B).


2. (C) In the field, RSLAF units are currently capable of
independent self-sustainment by an echelon slice of Force
(United Nations/Economic Community of West Africa) logistic
units - transport, supply, maintenance, communications and
medical - but these need to be connected to second line
sources.


3. (C) In terms of providing for a contingent rotation to an
enduring mission, the RSLAF has the greatest potential in the
infantry role up to battalion level. A transportation company
would also be possible. Specialist sub-units up to platoon
strength might be feasible, but would be more difficult at
this time to sustain in an enduring mission due to limited
manpower.


4. (C) Comment: The RSLAF is predominantly a light infantry
organization but also contains Reconnaissance, Engineer,
Military Police, Logistics and Signals elements that may have
utility in Peace Support Operations in their own right. RSLAF
aspires to maintain a battalion level commitment to United
Nations Peace Support Operations, but an incremental
approach, coupled with a sufficient time horizon for
preparation, is necessary to achieve this goal. Post supports
the RSLAF's desire to assist in regional operations, but
recognizes that significant encouragement and investment from
the USG, in particular, and other donors is needed. End
comment.
PERRY