Sierra Leone imposes nationwide curfew after attack on barracks

A Sierra Leone government statement said security forces had brought the situation under control. Information Minister Chernor Bah said: “Early on Sunday, unidentified individuals attempted to break into a military weapons depot at Camp Wilberforce. This was thwarted.”

Sierra Leone declares nationwide curfew after attack on business — Sierra Leone soldiers control the streets. Photo: AFP

“A nationwide curfew has been declared effective immediately… We strongly advise people to stay indoors,” the statement added.

The West African nation has been politically tense since President Julius Maada Bio was re-elected in a disputed election in June. Mr Bio said at the time that protests that led to the deaths of six police officers and at least 21 civilians last August were an attempt to overthrow the government.

In a message on Sierra Leone's President X social media account on Sunday, he said there had been a security breach when some unidentified individuals attacked a military weapons depot.

There have been eight military coups in West and Central Africa since 2020, dealing repeated blows to the region's fledgling democracies, even earning it the nickname "coup belt."

Huy Hoang (according to Reuters)

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