The Sierra Leone Commission on Arms and Ammunition (SLeCAA) has officially commenced the destruction of unserviceable weapons across the country, marking a significant step in enhancing national security and reducing the dangers posed by illicit arms circulation.
The nationwide exercise, which began on 9th March 2025 and runs until 13th March 2025 in Makeni, Teko, Bo, and Kenema, is coordinated by Major General Christian Fahim Marah, the Commissioner of SLeCAA. Destruction operations in the Western Area will continue from 15th March to 23rd March, 2025.
This operation is a critical part of Sierra Leone’s efforts to manage and control small arms and light weapons (SALW) and is being conducted in compliance with the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT). The exercise, which includes the destruction of state-owned unserviceable weapons and exhibit weapons from the judiciary, is aimed at mitigating the risk of arms falling into the wrong hands and preventing the resurgence of violence that plagued the country during its 11-year civil war.
Sierra Leone’s civil war, which raged from 1991 to 2002, left the country scarred, with thousands of lives lost and communities torn apart. The war also led to a massive proliferation of arms and ammunition, often in the hands of ordinary civilians. The legacy of this conflict continues to pose a significant security risk, as unregulated weapons remain in circulation across the nation.
In the aftermath of the civil war, the government of Sierra Leone has worked tirelessly to combat the illicit trade of arms and ensure the destruction of weapons that no longer serve a lawful purpose. However, the presence of small arms in the hands of civilians, as well as outdated and unserviceable military-grade weapons, has continued to threaten public safety.
By undertaking this large-scale destruction exercise, the government is taking crucial steps to reduce the risk of these weapons being used in criminal activities or falling back into the hands of rebel groups or insurgents.
The destruction of unserviceable weapons is a joint effort involving the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), and the SLeCAA. The operation will be conducted in several phases, beginning with symbolic destruction on February 26, 2025, and followed by the actual destruction of weapons across designated sites in the country. In each location, the unserviceable weapons will be carefully rendered inoperable using advanced equipment, including cutters and shredders, ensuring that the arms can never be used again.
The operation is expected to significantly reduce the stockpile of obsolete weapons held by both the military and law enforcement agencies, thus limiting the opportunity for these weapons to be recirculated into the civilian population. The destruction process will also prevent the illicit trade of state-owned firearms and ammunition, a key factor in ensuring Sierra Leone’s commitment to both regional and international arms control agreements.
Given the inherent dangers associated with weapon destruction, the exercise is being carried out with the utmost attention to safety. All personnel involved in the operation have received comprehensive safety training, and required personal protective equipment (PPE) has been provided to ensure a secure environment. The SLeCAA’s Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Department will oversee the entire operation, ensuring that it adheres to safety protocols and achieves its intended outcomes.
The successful destruction of these weapons will further the government’s goal of reducing armed violence in the country while also providing a powerful symbol of Sierra Leone’s commitment to peace and security, both domestically and on the international stage.
As the nation continues to recover from the ravages of its civil war, the destruction of unserviceable weapons represents a significant stride toward a safer, more stable Sierra Leone. By eliminating these dangerous stockpiles of arms, the government is working to prevent the potential resurgence of violence and ensuring that its commitment to the Arms Trade Treaty is upheld.
Sierra Leone’s move towards a more secure future is further strengthened by this collaborative effort between the SLeCAA, RSLAF, SLP, and other security agencies. With international support through funding from the Arms Trade Treaty’s Voluntary Trust Fund (VTF), this nationwide destruction exercise highlights Sierra Leone’s dedication to controlling arms and ammunition while fulfilling its international obligations.
The destruction of unserviceable weapons in Sierra Leone is not just a technical operation—it is a profound symbol of the country’s ongoing efforts to secure a peaceful and stable future after the devastation of civil war. As these weapons are destroyed, so too is the legacy of violence they once represented, paving the way for a brighter, more secure Sierra Leone.
