The Sierra Leone Civil Defense Forces (SLCDF) was a militia group formed during the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991-2002). Initially created to protect local communities from rebel attacks, the SLCDF operated alongside the government forces, known as the Sierra Leone Army. The group was primarily composed of local volunteers who aimed to defend their villages and families from violence. The SLCDF gained notoriety for its unconventional tactics and was involved in various human rights abuses during the conflict. After the war, the group was disbanded, and many of its members were integrated into the national security forces or reintegrated into civilian life as part of the post-war recovery efforts.