Alumnus Issa Belmond Thullah (MA Applied Security and Strategy, 2020)

Catching up with alumnus Issa Belmond Thullah

Alumnus Issa Belmond Thullah (MA Applied Security and Strategy, 2020) is a Security Analyst and Manager of the National Situation Room at the Office of National Security in Sierra Leone. Here he tells us what he most enjoyed about studying the MStrat and what he is doing now.

"Looking back on my time at Exeter I enjoyed studying the MA Applied Security and Strategy programme which offers a perfect dialogue between theory and practice. The course is exceptional not just because of its rich academic package, but also the noteworthy field trips and experience sharing by practitioners, offered by external speakers. Students are additonally provided with the opportunity to apply their knowledge in real life situations and get their career ready. My biggest highlight was the field trips to the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) in London and Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) in Gloucestershire.

"When I left Exeter, I returned home to work for the Office of National Security which is the main coordinating outfit within the security sector and advises the President of the country on national security matters. Currently, I am contributing to the wider security sector efforts to prepare for, and respond effectively to, threats and hazards that impact on the peace and safety of communities in Sierra Leone.

"I chose this career because of my past. Between 1991 and 2002, Sierra Leone suffered a brutal civil war that devastated the country to almost irreparable proportions. The war left 50,000 dead and 20,000 mutilated – while three quarters of the population were also displaced. I witnessed my country crumble and succumb to the atrocities of the war. Lodged with this experience, I was always striving to make a change in my country that will help the lives of those who were affected by the war and to ensure that history is not repeated. This is why I decided to work in the security sector: to help stabilize the country and create the enabling environment for peace and development to thrive. What I enjoy most about my job is working with diverse people and changing society for the better.

"The field of security and strategy is dynamic enough to accommodate a variety of skills and competencies. However, the skills I consider most useful are adaptability and problem solving, leadership and administration, innovation and a strong work ethic, critical thinking, communication, organisation and time-management, data analysis, project design and management.

"In the long run, my goal is to move up the hierarchy of the national security sector architecture and be part of the highest bodies for the consideration and determination of matters of security and development in my country. Also, I intend to pursue an academic career as university professor."

Date: 7 April 2022