By Abdul Karim Mansaray (MCIPS)
(The Ambassador)
In a moment of immense national pride, Captain Yainkain Ballay Kamara of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has been distinguished on the international stage, receiving a prestigious award for her outstanding leadership in military law.
On November 27th, 2025, at the Sir Dawda Jawara International Conference Centre in Banjul, The Gambia, Capt Kamara (SL 1704) was honoured by the International Women Power Conference (IWPC) with the Global Leading Woman in Military Justice and Legal Leadership Award. The ceremony, which gathered globally recognized women leaders and visionaries, was graced by Her Excellency Fatoumatta Bah-Barrow, the First Lady of The Gambia, as Chief Host.
The IWPC, an organization with offices in Nigeria, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and London, selected Capt Kamara for this accolade in recognition of her “exemplary service at the intersection of law and defense.” In their nomination letter, the IWPC highlighted her work in “advancing discipline, ethics, and rights-based leadership within the armed forces.”
Captain Kamara, a dedicated Military Lawyer and Legal Advisor for the RSLAF, represents the modern face of the Sierra Leonean military: professional, principled, and profoundly committed to the rule of law. Her work ensures that the nation’s armed forces operate with the highest standards of justice and integrity, strengthening both institutional accountability and the protection of service members’ rights.
This award is not merely a personal triumph for Capt Kamara but a significant accolade for the entire Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. It shines a global spotlight on the RSLAF’s commitment to legal excellence and gender inclusivity within its ranks. It demonstrates that Sierra Leonean officers are not only serving with valour but are also being recognized as world-class leaders in specialized military fields.
The nation celebrates Capt Yainkain Ballay Kamara for her dedication and for hoisting high the Green, White, and Blue in an international forum. Her achievement serves as a powerful inspiration to a new generation of Sierra Leonean women and men, proving that with expertise and integrity, they can excel and be celebrated among the world’s best.