Sierra Leone soldiers arrested for “mutiny”

The Chief of Defence Staff of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has confirmed to Politico that a number of soldiers have been arrested at the Tekko Barracks in Makeni for an alleged planned mutiny. Major General Samuel O. Williams says they are being “escorted from Makeni to Freetown”. He declined to give the exact number or their ranks saying “all of that is under investigation now and I cannot give you any more detail”. He says the mutiny in the northern city and home of President Ernest Bai Koroma did not happen because it was botched. A source in Makeni says between nine and twelve soldiers were arrested but would not give their ranks. It is not clear what the grievances of the alleged mutineers were. (C) Politico Online 17 August 2013