28 April 2014
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – One of the ASSN’s eminent members, Brigadier (Rtd) Kellie Conteh, has been awarded Sierra Leone’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Rokel (GCOR). Brigadier Conteh received the award on 28 April 2014 from President Ernest Bai Koroma at State House in Freetown in recognition of his ‘outstanding contribution towards the reform of the security sector and the establishment of the Office of National Security.’
ASSN Executive Secretary Eboe Hutchful lauded Brigadier Conteh’s achievements, saying the reforms he engineered restored the capability of the country’s security institutions while ensuring their accountability and political neutrality, thus enhancing the foundation for successful peace-building and helping nurture the political stability and democratic governance that Sierra Leone enjoys today.
Professor Hutchful also described Brigadier Kellie’s security model as one of ‘considerable policy and scholarly interest’ and ‘the most researched and documented in the region.’ Indeed, Brigadier Conteh’s model is now being replicated in many countries has been praised throughout the African continent.
The entire ASSN membership and Executive Committee heartily congratulates Brigadier Conteh, and also thanks President Koroma for recognising the efforts of this gallant Sierra Leonean soldier and statesman, who by his work and dedication not only made an indelible contribution to his country’s post-conflict history, but also made his mark on the continental stage through his participation in the effort by Africa’s youngest nation, South Sudan, to build its post-independence security sector.