Authorities in Sierra Leone claim that a gang of soldiers and police officers staged a series of attacks on military institutions and prisons over the weekend in an attempt to overthrow the civilian government.
Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone’s Information Minister, told reporters on Tuesday that 13 military officials and one civilian had been detained in connection with the event.
“The incident was a failed coup attempt.” “The goal was to illegally subvert and overthrow a democratically elected government,” Bah explained.
Following skirmishes between security personnel and armed individuals who invaded the Wilberforce Barracks in the capital, Freetown, the West African country imposed a statewide curfew on Sunday. The armed group also broke into Freetown Central Prison and liberated other convicts, according to the administration.
At least 21 individuals were killed in the shooting, including 14 soldiers and three “assailants,” according to Bah. According to the authorities, Idrissa Hamid Kamara, also known as Leatherboot, was among those killed. He was a “strongman” of the opposition All People’s Congress party. He was a part of Sierra Leone’s previous president, Ernest Bai Koroma’s, security team.
According to authorities, approximately 2,000 detainees escaped during the incident, with only a few voluntarily returning.
Sierra Leonean police have released photos of 34 suspects wanted in connection with the disturbance. There are 32 males and two women on the list who are serving or former troops, police officers, and civilians. According to the Sierra Leone Telegraph, practically all of the announced fugitives had some connection to the main opposition APC party.
Tensions have been increasing in Sierra Leone since President Bio’s re-election in June, which prompted condemnation from the opposition and international observers due to concerns over transparency.
