Sierra Leone violence: Minister says Sunday attacks were part of a coup attempt

The government of Sierra Leone has declared Sunday’s unrest, in which armed men stormed institutions in the capital city, an attempted coup.

On Sunday, gunmen attempted to “subvert and overthrow” the government, according to the information minister.

Also Read: Sierra Leone has been placed under curfew following the release of convicts from Freetown’s Pademba Road Prison.

According to officials, the attackers targeted a military barracks and jails, liberating over 2,000 detainees.

At least 19 individuals were killed in the fighting, including security officers and a civilian.

“The incident was a failed coup attempt.” On Tuesday, Information Minister Chernoh Bah stated, “The intention was to illegally subvert and overthrow a democratically elected government.”

“The attempt failed, and many of the leaders are either in police custody or fleeing.” We will strive to apprehend them and subject them to the full force of Sierra Leone’s laws.”

Following a series of coups, several countries in West and Central Africa are now under military authority. Sierra Leone’s neighbor Guinea, as well as Mali, Niger, and Chad, are among them.

Sierra Leone’s political environment has been tight since President Julius Maada Bio was re-elected in June, narrowly avoiding the necessity for a run-off.

The primary opposition candidate denounced the outcome, and international partners, notably the United States and the European Union, questioned it.

A handful of troops were arrested in August and accused of preparing a coup against the president.