Vantage | Is Sierra Leone West Africa's next coup in the making?

Sierra Leone, a West African nation, found itself thrust into chaos on a Sunday morning as gunshots echoed through its capital, Freetown. The attempted attack on a military base and the subsequent storming of prisons led to a series of violent clashes, resulting in 20 casualties including military personnel. This unexpected turmoil has left the nation grappling with questions surrounding the identity and motives of the armed assailants.

Unfolding crisis The city of Freetown, normally peaceful, was disrupted when armed men targeted a military base near the president’s residence. Their initial attempt to breach an armoury was followed by an assault on two major prisons, resulting in the escape of nearly 2,000 inmates. The swift response from security forces, including the military, imposed a curfew and flooded the streets to contain the escalating situation. Unfortunately, deadly clashes and gunfire ensued, claiming the lives of 20 individuals, including members of the armed forces. The impact of this unprecedented event was felt deeply by Freetown residents, many of whom had never encountered such violence. “Some of us have never experienced this until yesterday. We are praying for this not to be repeated because this country belongs to all of us. If this continues, where are we supposed to go? Because we will not have this kind of peace in another man’s country,” said Freetown resident Francis Squire. Another resident Musu Bangura shared the fear she experienced during the gunfire highlighting the gravity of the situation. “This is my first time to experience the sound of a gun. To be honest, I was scared, and I even hid under the bed. I thought this was the end of me, I swear. I was scared,” said Bangura. Restoring calm After 24 hours of turmoil, the government declared that calm had been restored, attributing the attack to “renegade soldiers” who were not loyal to the government. President Julius Maada Bio assured the public that the assailants had been repelled by a combined effort of security forces with arrests of key leaders already underway. The president emphasised ongoing security operations and investigations to hold those responsible accountable through due process. “In the early hours of this morning, there was a breach of security at the military barracks at Wilberforce in Freetown. Some individuals attacked the military armoury and other locations in Freetown including the Pademba Road Correctional Centre. In the event, prisoners escaped. The attackers have been repelled by a combined team of our gallant security forces and calm has been restored. 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,” said President Bio. Despite the restoration of calm, the identity and motives behind the mutiny remain unclear. President Bio’s assertion of “renegade soldiers” raises questions about loyalty within the military. The incident occurred against a backdrop of economic challenges with Sierra Leone grappling with a 50 per cent inflation rate and widespread discontent, especially within the police and military ranks. Sierra Leone’s recent history includes a closely contested presidential election in June, where President Bio secured his second term amid opposition scepticism and a runoff narrowly avoided. The country has also witnessed regional unrest, with neighbouring West African nations experiencing coups and military takeovers. President Bio himself led a coup in the 1990s, underscoring the volatile history of the region. As Sierra Leone strives to recover from the Sunday mutiny, President Bio reassures the public of control. However, the underlying economic challenges and discontent within security forces suggest that a lasting resolution requires addressing deeper issues. The nation stands at a critical juncture, with the potential for further unrest unless these underlying concerns are effectively addressed. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.