Brief Update on the Attempted Coup in Sierra Leone

Brief Update on the Attempted Coup in Sierra Leone

By Fritong Post Newspaper — 27/11/2023

1) The situation is gradually returning to normalcy, with military patrols and checkpoints in the capital and elsewhere. 

2) The president is at work this morning but many businesses and shops in the capital remain closed, while schools are yet to resume. 

3) However, it’s pertinent to note that the situation in Freetown isn’t the same for provincial towns and cities, especially in the southeastern part of the country where life seems to have returned to normal owing to the fact that there wasn’t any spillover to the regions. Initial reports from Makeni and other areas in the North/North West indicate that many businesses and schools remain closed. 

4) Meanwhile, human casualties, both military and civilian, are yet to be fully clarified by the authorities, and those arrested, including “leaders” of the attack haven’t been named. 

5) Chief Minister David Sengeh reports that some prisoners have voluntarily surrendered to the prison authorities this morning. 

6) Again, the government authorities aren’t providing as much information as may be demanded by the public. Information Minister Chernor A. Bah said on local media that some information are treated as highly “classified intelligence” because the forces are still pursuing the remnants of fleeing renegades. 

7) There are credible reports of abandoned vehicles with military gears and weapons in some locations. 

😎 The Office of National Security spokesman alongside the police and military spokespersons were on AYV TV to update the public on the current situation. ONS spokesman Abdul Kamara Will said some of those involved are retired military and police personnel, but couldn’t state their ranks. Colonel Issa Bangura of the Ministry of Defence says 7 serving personnel were killed in action, while several others sustained injuries and are responding to treatment. Police spokesman ACP Brima Kamara encourages the public to cooperate with the police, while cautioning communities and the general populace against aiding/abetting or harbouring of prisoners, et al. 

9) A delegation from ECOWAS and the Nigerian Government is expected to jet in today in solidarity with the Government of Sierra Leone. Diplomatic missions in the country as well as the Commonwealth Secretariat have issued statements of solidarity to the government. 

10) Overall, yesterday’s situation brought back very scary memories of the civil war, and despite govt reassurances of citizens’ safety and security, the situation remains very concerning to all and sundry.