Issa Belmond Thullah has more than eight years of experience in national security operations. He is a research and security analyst and manager of the National Situation Room at the Office of National Security in Sierra Leone. He supports the early warning and response mechanism to prepare for and respond effectively to threats and hazards that impact the peace and safety of communities. He worked at the emergency call center during the Ebola virus disease outbreak in Sierra Leone and helped supervise the collation and analysis of Ebola reports for the Ministry of Health and Sanitation and National Ebola Response Center. He also played a vital role in sensitizing the public about Ebola. Issa is involved in community service and engagement and supports Portee Millennium Youth Organization, which promotes indigenous development practice. Issa holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science, a master's degree in Development Management, and a master's degree in Applied Security and Strategy. After completing the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders, Issa aspires to move up the hierarchy of the national security sector and help consider and determine matters of security and development. He intends to pursue an academic career as a university professor.