FREETOWN: At least 21 people were killed in clashes on Sunday in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, with authorities now attributing the violence to a failed coup attempt. The inspector general of police, William Fayia Sellu, disclosed that an attempted coup occurred in the early hours of November 26, involving a group attempting to forcibly “unseat” the government.
Residents in Freetown were awakened by gunfire and explosions on Sunday as armed assailants attacked a military armoury, leading to widespread unrest. Multiple prisons were also stormed, resulting in the escape of several prisoners.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed readiness to deploy regional support to reinforce stability in Sierra Leone. Omar Alieu Touray, president of the ECOWAS commission delegation visiting Freetown, emphasized their commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s people in strengthening national security, including the deployment of regional elements if necessary.
General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s chief of defence staff, affirmed the armed forces of ECOWAS countries’ full support for the government of Sierra Leone, standing ready to provide any necessary assistance.
Elements Involved in Sierra Leone Clashes
Sierra Leonean police released photographs of 32 men and two women, including serving and retired soldiers and police, along with civilians, being sought in connection with the unrest. A police statement offered a reward for information leading to the apprehension of the “fugitives.”
President Julius Maada Bio received an ECOWAS delegation late Monday, signaling international concern over the situation. Nigerian national security adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu warned against any actions threatening democracy, peace, security, and stability in Sierra Leone.
The clashes resulted in 13 deaths among loyalist soldiers, according to the army, while at least four attackers and two civilians were reported killed in the hours-long standoff.
Sierra Leone experienced a political crisis following the June elections, which was resolved in October through mediation by the Commonwealth, the African Union, and ECOWAS. The recent unrest has raised concerns about the potential for another coup in West Africa, where several countries have witnessed putsches since 2020. President Bio himself led a coup in the 1990s before transitioning to civilian politics.
