By Ragan M Conteh

The leader of opposition in parliament, Hon Abdul Kargbo, has disclosed that ‘to-date there are no toilets, no water at military barracks across the country.’

The opposition leader made the submissions on Tuesday 26th March 2024 when rapping up the debate on the military framework agreements between Sierra Leone and Turkey as well as the military cooperation protocols between the ministry of defence of the Arab Republic of Egypt and Sierra Leone respectively.

According to the leader of opposition, Sierra Leone has over the years produced one of the best infantries in Africa, adding that what is lacking within the military is the lack of weaponry and equipment.

He said over the years Sierra Leone had been sending military personnel for trainings in London but all such glory had been lost.

The MP further that he was one of the lucky sons of the military officers and that all his childhood days were spent in the barracks, stating that he is fully know the condition at which military officers are living in Sierra Leone.

He, therefore; urged the authorities in the military ranks to uplift and change the face of Sierra Leone’s military by using the agreements approved in the chambers of Parliament over the years.

He went further to urge the military to protect and respect their national sovereignty.

Hon kargbo said it is very important for the military to expose to [ advanced] trainings. He maintained that Parliament had passed several agreements related to Sierra Leone’s military advancement.

He stated that as parliament they wanted to see the military status be uplifted and urged MPs to make sure that they use the agreement to the latter.

The leader went on to say that in the 90s the military used to have helicopters but he doubted of them having at least one today.

He appealed for a support towards working in making the military an institution of excellence.

The Spokesperson of the opposition in Parliament, Hon Unpha Sorie Koroma  also lauded the agreement, adding that the agreements should reflect on the aspirations of the military personnel.

He said what is more important on the agreements are the trainings aspects which, if conducted regularly, would help enhance as well as help to capacitate the army.