Failed coup attempt defeated, leaders arrested after assault on barracks, says president
President: Most Leaders Arrested After Failed Assault on Barracks
Sierra Leone was rocked by a series of attacks over the weekend, targeting the nation’s main military barracks and prisons. However, President Julius Maada Bio announced that the majority of the leaders behind these attacks have been apprehended. Despite this, the capital city of Freetown remains on edge, with empty streets and a dusk-to-dawn lockdown in place.
The attacks on Sunday took residents and security forces by surprise, sparking concerns of a possible coup in the troubled region of West Africa. President Bio addressed the nation on Sunday night, assuring the public that calm has been restored, while emphasizing that security operations and investigations are ongoing.
National Address On The Current Security Situation In Sierra Leone: Sunday, November 26th, 2023 pic.twitter.com/wHAMGeWuIy
— President Julius Maada Bio (@PresidentBio) November 26, 2023
Residents of Freetown were jolted awake by the sound of heavy gunfire as gunmen attempted to breach the key armory in the country’s largest military barracks, located near the heavily guarded presidential villa. A fierce exchange of fire between the gunmen and security forces ensued for several hours. The attackers also targeted major detention centers, including the central prison holding over 2,000 inmates, resulting in the release or abduction of an unknown number of individuals.
Little is known about the identities or motives of the attackers and those who lost their lives. However, former President Ernest Bai Koroma revealed that one of his military guards was killed on duty at his residence, while another was taken captive. Some of the attackers, in interviews with local media, claimed that their objective was to “clean up the system” rather than target civilians.
“Their primary goal was to break into the arms and ammunition store, and they managed to seize significant amounts, which they scattered throughout the capital,” explained Abdul Fatorma, a Sierra Leonean analyst and CEO of the Campaign for Human Rights Development International.
Kars de Bruijne, head of the Sahel program at the Clingendael Institute, dismissed the possibility of the incident being a random criminal act, stating that the assailants numbered over 50. He also highlighted the ease of acquiring weapons, particularly through the border with Guinea, a neighboring country still grappling with political instability following a coup in 2021. Sierra Leone itself is still recovering from an 11-year civil war that ended more than two decades ago, and its population of 8 million is among the world’s poorest.
The attacks have heightened political tensions in West and Central Africa, where military takeovers have surged, with eight occurring since 2020, including in Niger and Gabon this year. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Sierra Leone is a member, described the attacks as an attempt “to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order.”
President Bio, who was re-elected in a disputed vote in June, expressed his determination to protect the hard-earned peace and stability of the nation. Just two months after his re-election, several individuals, including senior military officers, were arrested for planning protests aimed at undermining peace. The curfew, initially set from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., will remain in effect until further notice, with Information Minister Chernor Bah urging residents to remain calm but vigilant.
However, many in Freetown and across the country opted to stay indoors, fearing potential violence. Kady Kamara, a concerned parent, chose not to send her son to school, and Adama Hawa Bah, residing near the Pademba Road Prison, reported seeing inmates freely roaming the area following the attack. She expressed the preference for safety indoors rather than being caught off guard outside.
The U.S. Embassy condemned the attack and paid tribute to those who lost their lives defending Sierra Leone’s Constitution and government.
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
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How has the government responded to the recent attacks and what measures are being taken to restore security and stability?
_blank” rel=”noopener”>Africa. President Bio’s government has been facing criticism and growing unrest over a range of issues, including corruption, economic hardships, and a crackdown on opposition figures. The failed assault on the military barracks has raised concerns about the stability of the country and the ability of the government to maintain control.
In response to the attacks, President Bio has deployed additional security forces across the capital and declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew. The curfew, along with the presence of armed military personnel patrolling the streets, has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty among the population. Businesses have remained closed, and residents have been advised to stay indoors for their safety.
The government has assured the public that necessary measures are being taken to restore security and stability. President Bio, in his address to the nation, vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice and called for unity in the face of these challenges. He also expressed gratitude to the security forces for their bravery and urged the population to cooperate with the ongoing investigations.
The international community has condemned the attacks and expressed support for Sierra Leone. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, issued a statement calling for the immediate release of any hostages and underscored the importance of upholding the rule of law. The African Union has also expressed solidarity with Sierra Leone and offered assistance in enhancing security and addressing the underlying issues contributing to the unrest.
The aftermath of these attacks will test the resilience and capabilities of the Sierra Leonean government. It is crucial for President Bio to address the grievances of the population and take concrete steps towards addressing corruption, improving the economy, and promoting inclusivity. Furthermore, cooperation with neighboring countries, such as Guinea, in strengthening border security and preventing the flow of weapons will be essential in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Sierra Leone has made significant progress since the end of its civil war, but challenges remain. The recent attacks highlight the fragility of the country’s security situation and the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. The government must seize this opportunity to rebuild trust with its citizens, restore stability, and work towards a better future for all Sierra Leoneans. Only through collective efforts and strong leadership can the nation overcome these setbacks and strive towards peace and prosperity.
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