Sierra Leone is now under a nationwide curfew as a response to a disturbing incident where armed individuals forcefully released detainees from several major prisons in Freetown.
The Minister of Information for the West African nation confirmed this unsettling development, prompting President Julius Maada Bio to address the nation.
President Bio, in a televised speech, characterized the events as a severe “breach of security” and an attack on democracy, carefully avoiding labeling it as an attempted coup.
Although he assured the public that calm had been restored, he refrained from providing details about the identity or motives of the perpetrators.
The political climate in Sierra Leone has been tense since June, when President Bio secured his re-election, narrowly avoiding a runoff.
International observers have criticized the electoral process, citing inconsistencies, lack of transparency, and instances of violence and intimidation.
Following the prison break, the Ministry of Information swiftly implemented a nationwide curfew, urging residents across the country to stay indoors.
Additionally, all flights to and from the nation’s sole international airport have been canceled.
Reports from Freetown indicate a significant military presence, with soldiers carrying heavy weaponry and expressing their intention to “clean Sierra Leone.”
The exact number of released prisoners remains unclear, but social media videos depict individuals fleeing the vicinity of Freetown’s Central Pademba Road prison.
One video even suggests the escape of popular rapper Boss LAJ, who was incarcerated last year on robbery charges.
This incident follows the arrest of several soldiers in August, accused of plotting a coup against President Bio. Notably, a wave of coups has swept through eight countries in West and Central Africa, with Guinea being Sierra Leone’s neighbor.
The international community, including the US, European Union, UK, and regional bloc Ecowas, has strongly condemned the violence that unfolded on Sunday.
The situation in Sierra Leone continues to evolve, with concerns about stability and security at the forefront of national and international attention.
