Violent confrontations broke out in Sierra Leone’s capital city on Sunday following reports of an assault on a military weapons storage facility. In response, the government has implemented a sudden curfew throughout the country.
According to witnesses, there were reports of gunshots and explosions in the Wilberforce area of Freetown, where the armory and several embassies are situated.
Several other individuals disclosed incidents of gunfire occurring near a military base in the Murray Town district, which is where the navy is located, as well as at a different military facility in the capital.
A video shared on social media implied that a large number of inmates had broken out of the main prison. A man who was part of a group captured on camera by an AFP reporter stated that they had managed to flee from the jail.
The officials stated that peace had been reestablished, but did not provide any additional statements regarding the reasons behind the attackers’ actions.
Ecowas released a statement emphasizing their strict stance against any unconstitutional overthrow of government.
Rephrasing the language used to denounce previous coup attempts, Ecowas expressed their strong disapproval for a scheme by specific individuals to obtain weapons and disrupt the peace and constitutional system in Sierra Leone.
According to a phone call from witness Susan Kargbo, she was awoken at approximately 4:30am by the sound of gunfire and explosions coming from the Wilberforce barracks.
“I was surprised and … the gunfire persisted until morning. It was reminiscent of a battle,” she stated.
The authorities reported that individuals who were trying to gain access to the arsenal at a significant military base were turned away, but urged citizens to remain in their homes.
The country’s information minister, Chernor Bah, stated that the government and state security forces are in charge and the public can rest assured. A nationwide curfew has been put in place immediately to allow the security forces to apprehend the suspects.
The nation of Sierra Leone, located in west Africa and primarily English-speaking, has been experiencing a political turmoil following the presidential and general elections held in June.
The president of the country, Julius Maada Bio, also reassured that peace has been restored in the capital.
“Illegal individuals attacked the military armoury in Wilberforce, Freetown during the early morning hours,” stated X.
“Nevertheless, our brave security forces successfully repelled them and peace has been restored.”
“As our security forces work together to eliminate the remaining renegades on the run, a curfew has been implemented across the country and citizens are advised to remain indoors.”
Bio said the government would “continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability” and was “resolute in our determination to protect democracy in Sierra Leone”.
The US embassy denounced the social media attempt to access the armoury and expressed ongoing assistance for those striving towards a peaceful, democratic, healthy, and prosperous Sierra Leone.
Bio, who won the initial election in 2018, was re-elected in June with a slim majority of 56%, barely avoiding a second round of voting.
The count was criticized by international observers for its inconsistencies and lack of transparency. They also condemned acts of violence and intimidation.
The main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party disputed the results of the 24 June presidential, legislative and local elections and boycotted all levels of government.
In October, an agreement was reached between the APC and the government following negotiations facilitated by the Commonwealth, the African Union, and Ecowas.
The APC has decided to stop their boycott and join the government on the condition that detentions and court cases, which they deemed to be politically motivated, come to an end.
Source: theguardian.com
