By Derrick Pratt
Sierra Leone’s Deputy Minister of Defence led a delegation to a major defence exhibition in Saudi Arabia this week, seeking to strengthen military ties and expand counter-terrorism cooperation between the two countries.
Colonel (Retired) Muana Brima Massaquoi headed the Sierra Leonean delegation to the third edition of the World Defence Show 2026, held in Riyadh from Feb. 8 to 12 under the patronage of King Salman.
The event, organised by Saudi Arabia’s defence authorities, brought together international military institutions, security firms and government representatives to showcase defence equipment and emerging technologies.
Massaquoi was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Kemoh Tewoh Sesay, and Military Executive Assistant Colonel John Zhoud Kailie. The delegation attended the opening ceremony officiated by Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.
During the five-day exhibition, Sierra Leone’s delegation reviewed defence systems across land, sea, air, security and space domains, with officials saying the visit aimed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
On the sidelines of the event, Massaquoi held talks with Saudi Deputy Defence Minister Abdulrahman Muhammad bin Ayyaf to discuss bilateral military cooperation and counter-terrorism initiatives.
According to a statement from Sierra Leone’s Embassy in Riyadh, Massaquoi conveyed greetings from President Julius Maada Bio and thanked Saudi Arabia for its support, including Hajj scholarships and collaboration under the Islamic Military Counter-Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC).
The deputy minister also formally requested the establishment of an IMCTC Centre of Excellence for Counter-Terrorism in Sierra Leone, which he said would serve as a regional hub for West Africa.
Saudi officials welcomed the proposal and pledged to raise it in future strategic discussions, the statement said.
Sierra Leone’s participation in the Riyadh exhibition reflects its broader push to modernise its armed forces and deepen defence partnerships amid growing regional security challenges.
