Sierra Leone’s Government has announced the restoration of calm after armed men attacked a military barracks, including those housing several foreign embassies on Sunday.
Gatekeepers News reports that the country’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, had said “unidentified individuals” attacked the barracks which houses several foreign embassies, including those of China, Germany, Austria, Gambia, Lebanon and Syria.
Following Bah’s announcement, the government declared a nationwide curfew.
Prisoners also escaped from a detention facility after a coordinated jail break orchestrated by gunmen.
In an address on Sunday night, President Julius Bio stated that most leaders of the attack have been arrested, refraining from calling it a coup but describing it as an attempt to undermine the country’s stability.
“The attackers have been repelled by a combined team of gallant security forces and calm has been restored,” the president said.
“Most of the leaders have been arrested, security operations and investigations are ongoing. We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable through due process.
“I acknowledge the bravery and dedication of our armed forces, police, and all those who played a role to defeat this attempt to undermine the peace and stability we’ve worked so hard to achieve.”
Bio asked citizens to be reminded of national unity and advised that “everyone remain vigilant and cooperate with the security forces”.
In another statement, the minister of information and civic education said a new curfew would be imposed from 9 pm to 6 am local time till further notice.
Bah also asked citizens to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Sierra Leone has faced political tensions since Bio’s re-election in June, with the opposition rejecting the results, leading to unrest in the country.
