RSLAF Pays Over Le116,000 to Coup Convicts Under Military Welfare Scheme

The Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has disbursed over Le116,573 in Cash Value Benefits to 36 military personnel convicted for their involvement in the failed coup of November 26, 2023.

The payment, made through the Armed Forces Endowment and Loan Scheme (AFELS), was completed on 21 May 2025. According to military sources, the disbursement was conducted in full view of the custodial authorities at the Pademba Road Correctional Centre in Freetown, with each convicted soldier personally receiving their benefit.

AFELS, a military financial services institution, was established in January 2022 as part of a broader transformation agenda spearheaded by President Brigadier-General (Rtd.) Julius Maada Bio, in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Chairman of the Defence Council. The scheme aims to provide critical financial services to serving and retired personnel, including cash benefits, death benefits, and soft loans.

Under the AFELS policy, a Cash Value Benefit is granted to any personnel who resigns, retires, or is dismissed, including for criminal offenses. The benefit is calculated based on the individual's contributions over a minimum two-year period, plus a 25% interest. If a member has contributed for less than two years, the interest is forfeited.

AFELS also administers a Death Benefit, which is paid to beneficiaries listed on a deceased soldier’s official Data Capture Form. A flat payment of Le2,500 is made if contributions fall below the minimum threshold.

The scheme is distinct from RSLAF's Funeral Purse, which was significantly improved under President Bio, increased from one bag of rice and Le820 to three bags of rice and Le12,000.

In addition to benefits, AFELS provides soft loans up to 40% of a soldier’s annual salary, repayable over 12 months with a 10% interest rate. AFELS data reveals a marked decline in applications for commercial bank loans among military personnel since the scheme’s introduction, noting that traditional bank loans often exacerbated debt and reduced living standards among soldiers.

Membership in AFELS is mandatory for all military personnel, with monthly contributions ranging from Le75 to Le500. These contributions are invested to generate profit, which supports the scheme’s interest payouts and financial sustainability.

A key architect behind the scheme is Brigadier-General Roland Robin Gbondo, recently promoted and appointed Chief Executive Officer of the newly created Defence Enterprise Services (DES), the Armed Forces' investment and business wing.

AFELS stands as a cornerstone of the President’s military reform efforts, reflecting a commitment to modernizing the Armed Forces and enhancing welfare support for service members, even those facing legal consequences.