Government Forces Thwart Coup Attempt In Sierra Leone, Imposes Nationwide Curfew.
By Caroline Ameh
Government forces have successfully averted an attempted coup in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown causing heavy gunfire and widespread chaos early on Sunday morning.
President Julius Maada Bio confirmed the incident, revealing that unidentified assailants attacked the military armory at Wilberforce Barracks, sparking the confrontation. The government swiftly launched a national curfew, urging citizens to remain indoors for their safety.
“I bring you greetings from the Presidential Lodge in Freetown. In the early hours of this morning, there was a breach of security at the Military Barracks at Wilberforce in Freetown, as some unidentified individuals attacked the military armoury,” President Bio stated.
Despite the disruption, the government reassured citizens that security forces repelled the attackers and restored calm. President Bio emphasized the nation’s commitment to safeguarding democracy and vowed to pursue those aiming to destabilize Sierra Leone’s cherished stability.
Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, further confirmed the incident, highlighting that unidentified assailants attempted to breach the military armory at Wilberforce barracks. The government, in a bid to facilitate the apprehension of suspects, imposed a nationwide curfew.
“In the early hours of Sunday, November 26th, 2023, some unidentified individuals attempted to break into the military armory at Wilberforce barracks. They have all been rebuffed,” Bah stated.
The government remains vigilant, initiating a widespread manhunt to bring the perpetrators to justice. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the collective responsibility to safeguard Sierra Leone’s democratic values and national stability.
