The United States of America, through its Embassy in Freetown, has frowned and condemned an unjustified attempted overnight seizure of Wilberforce Barracks and armory.
In the strongest terms, the U.S release said, “We urge full cooperation with government security forces’ ongoing operation to detain those responsible and strongly encourage all to adhere to government guidance regarding the ongoing curfew for their own safety.”
The U.S. Government release further asserted that the United States will continue to stand with all those working for a peaceful, democratic, healthy, and prosperous Sierra Leone.
At the same, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has also condemned a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.
The ECOWAS release, at the same time, calls for the arrest and prosecution of all participants in this illegal act, reiterating its zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.
ECOWAS further assured its commitment to supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone to deepen democracy and good governance, consolidate peace and security, as well as foster socio-economic development.
Meanwhile, the leader of Sierra Leone Opposition Political Party, the All People’s Congress (APC), Samura Kamara, has cautioned Sierra Leoneans to adhere to the Public Notice by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, to stress the critical importance of the advice contained therein.
“The peace, unity, and safety of our country are paramount, and everything else will follow for a prosperous and secure Sierra Leone. This country needs the peaceful energies of each and every one of us to build, sustain a better future for all,” he stressed.
During early Sunday morning, November 26, 2023, unidentified individuals made an unsuccessful bid to infiltrate the military facility with heavy gunfire, but were swiftly repelled by Sierra Leonean State Security Forces.
The situation, according to report, also involved the breakthrough of the Pademba Central Prison, as inmates, including popular artists like LAJ, were seen on the street.
As a result, officials in the country also declared a nationwide curfew, following the attempted infiltration at the Wilberforce military barracks in Freetown, while eyewitnesses suggest sporadic gunfire at or near the presidential compound continued throughout the early hours of Sunday.
The Sierra Leonean authorities claim that they were, in timely manner, able to repel the attackers, disclosing that there are no initial reports of casualties, and that citizens were advised to remain indoors and stay out of the street.
Also confirming the attack was Sierra Leone President, Julius Maada Bio, who on his twitter page said, “The attack on the Wiberforce in Freetown-terming is confirmed and it is a security breach in which some unidentified individuals attacked the military armory.”
President Bio stated, “As the combined team of our security forces continue to root out the remnant of the fleeing renegades, a nationwide curfew has been declared and citizens are encouraged to stay indoors.”
“The peace of our beloved nation is priceless and we shall continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability.
We remain resolute in our determination to protect democracy in Sierra Leone, and I urge all Sierra Leoneans to unite towards this collective responsibility,” the Sierra Leonean President added.
