Sierra Leone Government Declares 34 Individuals Wanted in Connection with Attempted Coup.
In response to the recent attempted coup in Sierra Leone, authorities have declared 34 individuals wanted for their alleged involvement. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education on Tuesday.
The attempted coup occurred last Sunday when armed assailants attacked government institutions in the capital, Freetown. The assailants reportedly targeted military barracks and a prison, resulting in the release of around 2,000 prisoners. The violence claimed the lives of at least 19 people, including security forces and a civilian.
Sierra Leone’s Information Minister, Chernoh Bah, described the incident as a failed attempted coup with the aim of “subverting and overthrowing” the democratically elected government. He stated that the attempt had failed, and many of the leaders involved were either in police custody or on the run. The government pledged to capture and bring them to justice in accordance with Sierra Leonean laws.
The political situation in Sierra Leone has been tense since June when President Bio was narrowly re-elected. In August, several individuals, including high-ranking military officers, were arrested on charges of plotting a coup against the president.
International observers have raised concerns about inconsistencies and lack of transparency in the country’s political processes, along with incidents of violence and intimidation. The recent declaration of individuals wanted in connection with the coup adds another layer of complexity to Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
Sierra Leone has a history of political instability and coups, dating back to its independence from Britain in 1961. The country experienced coups in 1967, the start of the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1991, and subsequent coups in 1992 and 1997.
The current government’s efforts to address the aftermath of the attempted coup and maintain stability in the country will be closely watched as Sierra Leone navigates its political challenges.
