Lieutenant Colonel Alice Koria Sesay, the first woman to command an infantry battalion in the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), has encouraged more women to seek leadership positions in the military after completing her groundbreaking tenure.
Sesay served as Commanding Officer of the 14th Infantry Battalion at Maple Leaf Barracks in Pujehun District from August 2025 until 2 September 2026. At a formal change-of-command ceremony that day, she handed over leadership to Lieutenant Colonel Samura in the presence of senior officers, soldiers, local authorities and community stakeholders.
Reflecting on her experience in a traditionally male-dominated institution, Sesay said she hopes her journey will inspire other women to break barriers and take up senior roles.
“It is not about me anymore. I’m hoping my example of leadership can set the pace for others,” she stated.
Commissioned as a combatant officer in 2007 after completing training at the Armed Forces Training Centre in Benguema, Sesay was one of only two women in her cohort of 23. A Kuranko from Kabala in the Northern Province, she rose through the ranks over nearly two decades, holding positions including Platoon Commander, Training Officer, Operations Officer and Gender and Equal Opportunities Officer.
She also served on United Nations peacekeeping missions in Darfur, Sudan (UNAMID) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO). Her professional training includes courses in Sierra Leone as well as specialised programmes in the United States, China, Germany and Hawaii. Academically, she holds a Diploma in Public Administration from IPAM and a BSc (Hons) in Business Administration from Milton Margai Technical University, and has pursued further studies in Diplomacy and International Relations at Fourah Bay College.
During her time in command, Sesay oversaw improvements at Maple Leaf Barracks, including the construction of a perimeter fence, canteen and development centre. Pujehun District Officer Madam Adama Kamara Sowa commended these efforts for enhancing conditions at the barracks and strengthening relations between the military and the local community. Sesay also introduced awards to recognise personnel for discipline and outstanding service.
Her appointment in August 2025 marked a significant milestone for women in the RSLAF. It formed part of wider efforts, supported by the Elsie Initiative Fund and UN Women, to increase women’s participation in leadership and peacekeeping. Women currently make up about 13 per cent of the RSLAF’s total personnel but account for roughly 46 per cent of Sierra Leone’s UN peacekeeping deployments.
Sesay’s achievement builds on earlier progress, including the first all-female recruitment in 1978 and subsequent drives that have steadily expanded opportunities for female officers.
By successfully leading a fighting unit, she has demonstrated that women can excel in senior combat leadership roles and has called on others to follow the path she has opened.