Sierra Leone imposes nationwide curfew after barracks attack

A statement from the Sierra Leone government said security forces had the situation under control. Information Minister Chernor Bah stated: “Early Sunday, several unidentified individuals attempted to break into a military weapons depot at Camp Wilberforce. This was thwarted.”

Sierra Leone soldiers control the streets. Photo: AFP

The statement added: “A nationwide curfew has been imposed, effective immediately… We strongly advise people to stay indoors.”

The political situation in this West African nation has remained tense since President Julius Maada Bio's controversial re-election in June. Bio then stated that the protests that led to the deaths of six police officers and at least 21 civilians last August were an attempt to overthrow the government.

In a message on the Sierra Leone president's X social media account on Sunday, he said there had been a security breach when unidentified individuals attacked a military weapons depot.

There have been eight military coups in West and Central Africa since 2020, dealing continuous blows to the region's fledgling democracies and even leading to it being dubbed the "coup zone."

Huy Hoang (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/sierra-leone-ban-bo-lenh-gioi-nghiem-tren-toan-quoc-sau-vu-tan-cong-vao-doanh-trai-post274056.html