Ex-SLA to be reintegrated into army

President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah and senior military officers have resolved that all former Sierra Leone Army (SLA) are to be reintegrated into the military pending a selection process for the restructured army, state radio in Freetown reported last week. It was also decided that all Revolutionary United Front (RUF) and Civil Defence Forces (CDF) who may wish to join the army are reintegrated after a selection process conducted by a neutral, independent panel, Sierra Leone radio reported. The reorganization of the army, welfare matters, appointments to top positions, training, and recruitment were among issues discussed by Kabbah and senior officers at State House. The officers said they would ensure their colleagues disarm immediately, while Kabbah said the government’s goal was to develop a professional army capable of fulfilling its mission of safeguarding the territorial integrity and independence of the state and the safety and prosperity of the citizens, state radio reported.