Air Commodore Hassan Sei Coomber, Chief of Air Staff and Defence Spokesperson, has confirmed that the Government of Sierra Leone, under the Sierra Leone People’s Party, has approved plans for the sale of Juba Barracks, sparking public debate over the future of one of the country’s key military facilities.

Speaking in an interview with Radio Democracy 98.1, Air Commodore Coomber disclosed that the military has received formal approval from the Ministry of Defence to proceed with the process. According to him, negotiations are currently underway regarding the proposed sale.

He further revealed that the army has acquired additional land to facilitate the relocation of personnel currently stationed at Juba Barracks. He indicated that affected personnel could be moved to Murray Town, noting that there is sufficient space in that area to accommodate them.

Addressing concerns about the decision, Air Commodore Coomber explained that accommodation challenges within the armed forces remain a pressing issue.

“About 70 percent of our personnel are living outside the barracks due to accommodation challenges; therefore, we are selling most of our high-value properties in the city to develop our barracks,” he stated.

According to him, the move forms part of a broader strategy aimed at improving housing conditions for military personnel by reinvesting proceeds from the sale of prime properties into the development and expansion of barracks facilities.

The reported decision has generated mixed reactions among members of the public, with some describing the move as controversial given the historical and strategic significance of Juba Barracks. However, official details regarding the terms of the sale, timeline for relocation, and intended future use of the property have not yet been publicly disclosed by the Ministry of Defence.