The United States Embassy in Sierra Leone has strongly criticized the attempted coup that took place in the West African country on Sunday morning. The embassy, through its official handle, expressed disapproval of the action and called for cooperation with government security forces.
In the wake of the foiled coup attempt, characterized by intense gunfire and the invasion of the military’s arsenal base, the U.S. embassy emphasized the importance of adhering to the government’s curfew guidelines for personal safety. It affirmed the United States’ support for “a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Sierra Leone.”
President Julius Maada Bio, in response to the coup attempt, declared a nationwide curfew as the military continues efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. The government, through the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, urged citizens to stay indoors to facilitate the security forces’ process of capturing the suspects.
The statement reads: “I bring you greetings from the Presidential Lodge in Freetown. In the early hours of this morning, there was a security breach at the Military Barracks at Wilberforce in Freetown, as some unidentified individuals attacked the military armoury.
“However, they were repelled by our gallant 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.
“The PEACE of our beloved NATION is PRICELESS, and we shall continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability.
“We remain resolute in our determination to protect democracy in Sierra Leone, and I urge all Sierra Leoneans to unite towards this collective responsibility,” it added.
Another statement by the Minister of Information and Civic Education of Sierra Leone, Chernor Bah, said some unidentified individuals carried out the attack.
“In the early hours of Sunday, November 26th 2023, some unidentified individuals attempted to break into the military armoury at Wilberforce barracks. They have all been rebuffed.
“To enable the security forces to continue the process of apprehending the suspects, a nationwide curfew is declared with immediate effect across the country.
“We strongly advise citizens to stay indoors,” Bah stated.
