Coup scare: Sierra Leone declares curfew as ECOWAS condemns plot

Sierra Leonean President, Julius Bio, yesterday, declared a dusk to dawn curfew in the county following a coup scare in the capital, Freetown.
There has been a worrisome rise in military takeovers across Africa. Since January 2023, the continent has experienced four coups in Gabon, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chemor Bar, in a statement said some unknown persons attempted to break into the military armoury at Wilberforce Barracks but were repelled by security forces.

He said: “As the combined team of our security forces continues 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 forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability.

“We remain resolute in our determination to protect democracy in Sierra Leone.” Meanwhile, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) condemned plot by some individuals to disturb the peace of Sierra Leoneans.

The condemnation was contained in a statement issued by ECOWAS in Abuja, yesterday. It reads: “The bloc has learnt, with utter disgust, a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.

“ECOWAS condemns this act and calls for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the illegality.

“The bloc has always maintained its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.

“We want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government and the people of Sierra Leone’s quest to deepen democracy and good governance by consolidating peace and security, to foster socio-economic development.”

Also, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has imposed a rescheduling of flights for departing airlines. In a statement by the management of SLCAA, the authority said the action was in view of the nationwide curfew imposed by the government.

It said: “SLCAA is aware that passengers intending to depart from and arrive at the Freetown International Airport (FNA) on flights scheduled for today (yesterday), Sunday November 26, 2023, are affected by the nationwide curfew declared by the state and currently in force.”

SLCAA urged all airlines to reschedule departing passengers on the next available flights after the curfew is lifted, “as SLCAA airspace remains open.

“While we appreciate the inconvenience this may cause, we urge all to respect the curfew and follow directives of the state security forces.

“The SLCAA assured the airlines and the wilder aviation industry of its unflinching support,” the authority added.