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Breaking: Tension as Sierra Leone is placed under nationwide curfew
Sierra Leone has been placed under a nationwide curfew as armed men broke into a prison, setting inmates free before proceeding to the armory in an attempt to seize power.
The Military police has set up roadblocks following the gunmen’s attack.
Detainees from Central Pademba Road prison in the capital city Freetown were released on Sunday morning, an official said.
Earlier on, the gunmen had attacked a major military barracks in the city.
Residents reported hearing gunshots at the barracks, which are close to the presidential residence.
After the attack, the Ministry of Information declared an immediate curfew and “strongly” recommended people across the West African country to stay home.
President Julius Maada Bio said calm had been restored and a manhunt launched to find all of the gunmen.
Soldiers carrying heavy weaponry in a seized police vehicle were seen across the Capital as groups of people were chanting.
The political situation in Sierra Leone has remained tense since June, when President Bio was re-elected after narrowly missing a run-off.
In August, a number of soldiers were arrested and accused of plotting a coup against the president.
Eight countries in West and Central Africa are under military rule after a series of coups, including neighbouring Guinea.
The United States embassy in Sierra Leone has condemned the attempted seizure of power and weapons at Wilberforce Barracks armory in Freetown.
The embassy expressed strong disapproval of the actions and called for cooperation with government security forces.
They also emphasized the importance of adhering to the government’s curfew guidelines for personal safety.
The United States affirmed its support for a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Sierra Leone.
President Bio issued a statement from the Presidential Lodge in Freetown.
He conveyed greetings to the nation and informed that the attackers at the Wilberforce armory had been repelled by the brave security forces.
He acknowledged the ongoing efforts to eliminate any remaining threats and urged the people to stay indoors.
He stressed the value of peace and promised to protect the security of the country, calling on all Sierra Leoneans to unite for this shared responsibility.
“The PEACE of our beloved NATION is PRICELESS and we shall continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability,” the President said in a statement.