Coup scare hits Sierra Leone

A nationwide curfew has been declared in Sierra Leone in response to a potential coup attempt in the capital city of Freetown within the last hour.

Sporadic gunshots were heard at Wilberforce military barracks when unidentified individuals attempted to break into the military armoury.

The development, which occurred near the presidential lodge, prompted President Julius Bio to declare a nationwide curfew with the view to put the situation under control.

According to a statement by the Minister of Information and Civic Education of Sierra Leone, Chernor Bah, the unidentified individuals carried out the attack in the early hours of Sunday November 26th 2023.

“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.

“To enable the security forces to continue the process of apprehending the suspects, a nationwide curfew is declared with immediate effect across the country.

“We strongly advise citizens to stay indoors,” Bah stated.

Meanwhile in his address the Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, reiterated his Determination To Protect Democracy And Peace

His speech reads:

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.

However, they were repelled by our gallant Security Forces and calm has been restored. As the combined team of our Security Forces continues to route out the remnant of the fleeing renegades, a nationwide curfew has been declared and citizens are encouraged to stay indoors.

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.

We remain resolute in our determination to protect democracy in Sierra Leone and I urge all Sierra Leoneans to unite towards this collective responsibility.

Long Live The Republic of Sierra Leone.