By Mustapha Jallow
Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leone’s president, has declared a nationwide curfew after gunmen attacked military barracks in the West African capital, Freetown, raising fears and chaos of a breakdown of order amid a surge of coups in the region. Freetown has seen political violence and unrest since the re-election of the current leader, Bio.
That election was the fifth since the end of Sierra Leone’s brutal 11-year civil war – more than two decades ago – which left tens of thousands dead and destroyed the country’s economy. But so far, Bio indicated that most of the leaders of attackers are being held, saying that security operations and investigations are ongoing.
“We will ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” Bio remarked on national television while giving development to the public just after an attempted alleged coup.
The unidentified gunmen attacked a military armory within the barracks in the capital, Freetown, early in the morning, Bio said in a statement posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, adding that they were driven back by security forces and “calm has been restored.”
“As the combined team of our security forces continue to root out the remnant of the fleeing renegades, a nationwide curfew has been declared, and citizens are encouraged to stay indoors,” he wrote.
Mr Bio is now facing the greatest threat to his rule because the latest attack becomes the second attempted alleged coup to overthrow him. He further continues to receive criticism because of debilitating economic conditions.
Nearly 60% of Sierra Leone’s population of more than seven million are facing poverty, with youth unemployment being one of the highest in West Africa.
