In a disconcerting turn of events, Sierra Leone’s government declared full control on Sunday evening after an attack on a military armoury in the capital, Freetown, triggered armed clashes.
The president, Julius Maada Bio, referred to the incident as an attempt to destabilize the state, prompting ECOWAS (the Economic Community of West African States) to strongly condemn the coup plot.
Ringleaders have been apprehended, and the government has imposed a national curfew until further notice.
Amidst political turmoil following the June elections, President Bio assured the nation on national television that calm had been restored, emphasizing ongoing security operations and investigations.
He pledged that those responsible for the attempted coup would be held accountable. Security forces, heavily guarding checkpoints, maintained control as calm gradually returned to Freetown.
Information Minister Chernor Bah confirmed the government’s firm control, stating that the attackers were retreating.
Disturbing videos circulated on social media, depicting uniformed individuals under arrest beside a military vehicle, highlighting the intensity of the situation.
Witnesses reported gunfire and explosions in various districts, including Wilberforce, where the armoury and embassies are situated. Additionally, clashes occurred near a naval barracks in Murray Town and another military site in Freetown.
The information ministry revealed attacks on prisons, resulting in the release and abduction of detainees. Videos suggested a significant number of prisoners escaping from the central jail.
President Bio, in a statement on social media, vowed to protect Sierra Leone’s peace and security against any forces attempting to disrupt stability.
However, the motives and identity of the attackers remained undisclosed.
ECOWAS expressed its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government, condemning the plot to disturb peace and constitutional order.
The US embassy and the European Union also voiced concern and called for the respect of constitutional order.
Susan Kargbo, a witness, described waking up to the sounds of heavy gunfire and bombs, likening the situation to a war.
The government reported repelling those attempting to breach the armoury but urged the public to stay home during ongoing security operations.
International observers had previously criticized inconsistencies and lack of transparency in the June elections, where President Bio was re-elected with 56.17 percent of the vote.
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) contested the results, leading to a boycott of government participation. An agreement reached in October between the APC and the government, mediated by international bodies, aimed to end the political impasse.
As Sierra Leone navigates this challenging period, the global community watches closely, hoping for a swift resolution and the restoration of democratic stability in the West African nation.
