A nationwide curfew was declared on Sunday by Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio after unidentified gunmen attacked army barracks within the West African nation’s capital, Freetown. The scenario in Sierra Leone has been tense because the disputed re-election of Bio.
Taking to X, Bio mentioned that unidentified gunmen attacked a army armoury inside the barracks within the capital, Freetown, early morning. “They have been pushed again by safety forces and calm has been restored,” he added.
Because the mixed workforce of our Safety Forces proceed to root out the remnant of the fleeing renegades, a nationwide curfew has been declared and residents are inspired to remain indoors, he wrote.
Reportedly, some inmates from the central jail in Freetown had escaped and the authorities are investigating into the incident. To this point, it’s not clear what number of had escaped the jail. Among the movies that circulated within the social media revealed many individuals fleeing from the jail space, whereas gunshots have been heard within the background. Based on officers, the gunmen who attacked the army barracks later broke into the jail and freed the prisoners.
Sierra Leone’s civil aviation authority had urged airways to reschedule flights after the curfew was imposed.
The aviation authority mentioned in an announcement that passengers ought to be positioned on the subsequent out there flights after the curfew is lifted. It added that the nation’s airspace stays open.
Bio was reelected for a second time period in June amid opposition occasion’s accusation of Sierra Leone’s electoral fee of conspiring together with his occasion.
For the reason that finish of the 11-year brutal civil conflict, it was the fifth presidential election held within the nation.
Since 2020, there have been eight army coups in West and Central Africa. Bio has been going through criticism due to weakening financial situations. The nation is battling extreme poverty, youth unemployment amongst different points.
On the most recent assault, the US embassy in Freetown mentioned in an announcement that such actions weren’t justified.