By Nasratu Kargbo
In her first official outing after the November 26th, 2023 ‘attempted coup’, Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has urged Sierra Leoneans to prioritize the country and stay united.
“Please let us put our nation first; let us understand that there is no other Sierra Leone but this one” the First Lady said. She made this statement at a knowledge-sharing event organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) on the 5th of December 2023.
She urged Sierra Leoneans to be each other’s keepers, stressing that one should love their neigbour to make the country a better place, and warned against people allowing the country to return to the ‘dark days’.
She pointed out that the best place one can express their dislike for the state or situation is through the ballot box, stating “Your vote is the only weapon that can give you what you want”. She said using guns and trying to destabilize the country is not the right thing to do.
Director General of Local Content Agency Fodeba Daboh on behalf of his institution condemned the incident. “It was unfortunate beyond comprehension, but I believe it is now a thing of the past,” he said.
He heaped praises on President Julius Maada Bio, saying he is a visionary leader who does not run away but keeps the country together.
It is understood that the exchange of heavy gunfire started at around 2: 00 a.m. Sunday 26th November 2023 at the Wilberforce Barracks, where the armory was broken into.
The attackers then went to the two Correctional Centres where they freed the male and female inmates.
Eighteen Security personnel were killed in the attacks.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (08/12/23)
