In debunking claims of political witch-hunt over the retirement of 15 senior military officers including the former Chief of Defence Staff and deputy under the President Bio led SLPP government, the army media unit has confirmed that the military’s action is not a novelty.

On the popular ‘Good Morning Salone’ program on Radio Democracy yesterday June 23rd 2020, head of media Major Yayah Brima recalled that in 2005 during ex-president Ahmed Tejan Kabbah’s regime,77 officers between the ranks of Brigadier General and secondLieutenant proceeded on terminal leave.

Under the outgone President Ernest Bai Koroma APC regime, he said, 21 senior ranks officers, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Alfred Claude Nelson Williams and other Generals were again sent on terminal leave on the approval of the Defence Council.

Similarly, he said, the 15 officers which include, 8 Brigadier Generals, including the former Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.General Brima Bureh and his deputy, Major General D.T.O Taluva, 4 Colonels and 2 Lieutenant Colonels now sent on terminal leave was done with the approval of the Defence Council.

He said even though the Defence Council do not usually disclose reason for the retirement, but strongly affirmed that all retirements including the latter are done under the relevant provision of the country’s National Constitution, thus ruling out claims of witch-hunt and political inclination.

He said the retirees were promoted to various ranks, after others were sent on terminal leave for diverse reasons, so if their retirements are due under numerous factors, the authorities ought to do the needful.

He said all retired officers would be receiving their monthly salary until their retirements are due at the end of the year 2020 and shall be entitled to all benefit due them because they were not dismissed. He assured that promotion will be out soon.

Meanwhile, President Bio has appointed Major General Sullay Sesay as new Chief of Defence Staff to replace the outgoing.