from TETEH KAMARA in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone Bureau
FREETOWN, (CAJ News) – SIERRA Leone remains uneasy days after what the government labels a failed attempted coup this past weekend.
Details have emerged as to the extent of the events that plunged the West African country into anarchy.
On Sunday, armed assailants targeted the Wilberforce military barracks, in addition to overrunning several detention facilities, releasing inmates.
The exact number of fugitives has not been provided but reports suggest that up to 1 890 inmates escaped, and some have already turned themselves in.
Some 13 officers and one civilian have been arrested.
At least 19 individuals died during the incident, including three assailants.
This week, President Julius Maada Wonie Bio visited the 34 at the Military Hospital in the capital Freetown where members of the security forces who sustained different degrees of injuries during the skirmishes are being treated.
“I thanked the military officers for their gallantry, sacrifice and commitment to defending democracy in Sierra Leone,” he said.
“I assured the Officers that the government and people of Sierra Leone are eternally grateful to them for their bravery, while also reassuring them that their sacrifice to protect our nation will not be in vain.”
Officials are maintaining the 21h00-06h00 nationwide curfew.
There is given no indication as to how long the curfew will stay in force.
The Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority has indicated that travelers flying via Freetown International Airport based in Lungi will be impacted due to the curfew.
– CAJ News