The attention of the Government of Sierra Leone and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has been drawn to media reports that the Al-Shabab group has threatened to attack the contingent of RSLAF personnel scheduled to be deployed in Somalia as part of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). 

Government therefore wishes to remind the public that its participation in the deployment of troops under the auspices of the AMISOM was not just as a result of Sierra Leone being a member of the United Nations and the African Union, but a fulfillment of her responsibility to contribute to international peace and security just as how other countries around the world had contributed their troops to UNAMSIL and ECOMOG to help keep peace in Sierra Leone during our civil war.

Government further wishes to inform the public that the Al-Shabab threat directed at RSLAF is taken seriously and that necessary security measures are being put in place to ensure a successful mission by our deployed troops.

Government therefore wishes to renew its unflinching commitment to the maintenance of international peace and security whilst re-assuring citizens and foreign nationals that Government’s security apparatus are fully engaged and will provide the necessary security in ensuring that the lives and properties of our deployed troops are fully safeguarded.

Recognising that the security of the state is also the collective responsibility of all Sierra Leoneans and foreigners alike, the public is therefore encouraged to cooperate and collaborate with the security forces and agencies by reporting any suspicious activity that may compromise the interest of our national security.