By Sorie Ibrahim fofanah
In a nationwide address on 2nd December 2023, President Julius Maada Bio expressed his government’s determination to deal with what he said was an attempted coup. The President was speaking after a spate of armed attacks rocked parts of Freetown in the early hours of Sunday 26th November.
“As a nation, deeply rooted in the rule of law, let me assure you that no matter the provocation, our response to the November 26th will be measured and determined along one parameter-the rule of law,” Bio said, adding that those found culpable will have to account for their actions.
From investigations collected thus so far, he said the intelligence and security forces have confirmed that the November 26th “infraction was clearly and unambiguously an attempted coup d’état,” saying their action was premeditated.
The President said some arrests have been made, and that the Sierra Leone Police have released a list of wanted persons. He called on citizens and non-citizens to give information that would lead to the arrests of the fugitives.
Bio noted that the attempted coup took place “exactly” five months after elections, an action that he said was to overturn the people’s will by unlawful means adding that those who want to disrupt “our” democracy will not succeed.
He said the assailants had wanted to destroy lives and properties and called on the citizens to reject an unconstitutional change of government.
“As your President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, I repeat my call to us all to come together and embrace the values of peace, stability, and democracy,” Bio said and called for rejection of any attempt at creating divisions among citizens.
In the early hours of Sunday 26th November, the armory at the Wilberforce Barracks was breached, and arms and ammunition were carted away. The assailants then reportedly attacked the male and female Correctional Centres setting free hundreds of prisoners. Fourteen soldiers, two policemen, a security guard, one civilian, and three of the attackers are known to have died.
Dozens of current and former soldiers police officers and civilians have been arrested by the security forces.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (08/12/23)
