Nationwide Curfew Imposed in Sierra Leone As Gunmen Attack Military Installations

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Sierra Leone has been plunged into a state of emergency as a nationwide curfew was enforced following a brazen prison break orchestrated by armed assailants. The assailants targeted multiple “major” prison facilities, releasing detainees and causing widespread concern across the West African nation.

The unrest began when armed men attacked a military barracks in the capital city of Freetown, prompting reports of gunfire near the vicinity of the presidential residence. In response, the Ministry of Information swiftly declared a comprehensive curfew, urging residents throughout the country to remain indoors. Additionally, all flights to and from the nation’s sole international airport have been cancelled.

According to Information Minister Chernor Bah, the attackers have been repelled to the outskirts of Freetown. He assured the public via the social media platform X that the majority of the city is now under the control of state security forces. Bah clarified the security forces’ tactical retreat from certain areas, emphasizing the need to safeguard civilian lives, including those of prisoners.

Reports from a military source disclosed that several of the gunmen, including a former President Ernest Koroma’s guard, have been apprehended.

Eyewitnesses in Freetown observed soldiers wielding heavy weaponry, commandeering a seized police vehicle, and vocalizing their intent to “clean Sierra Leone.” Videos circulating on social media purportedly show a number of individuals fleeing from the vicinity of Freetown’s Central Pademba Road prison. Among those seen in the videos is alleged footage of popular rapper Boss LAJ, who was incarcerated on robbery charges last year. However, the authenticity of these videos remains unverified.

President Julius Maada Bio, addressing the escalating situation on social media platform X, emphasized the imperative of safeguarding democracy in Sierra Leone and urged citizens to comply with the curfew directives by staying indoors.

Sierra Leone’s political climate has been tense since June, following President Bio’s narrow re-election, which narrowly avoided a runoff vote. International observers have criticized the electoral process, citing irregularities, lack of transparency in the vote count, and instances of violence and intimidation.

The unrest in Sierra Leone occurs against the backdrop of regional instability, with neighboring Guinea and several other West and Central African nations currently under military rule following a series of coups.

According to BBC, the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS have all issued strong condemnations of Sunday’s violence, expressing deep concern over the escalating situation in Sierra Leone.

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