2023 Freetown attacks
| 2023 Freetown attacks | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Location of Freetown in Sierra Leone | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
| VNSA militants and prisoners | |||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Unknown | Unknown | ||||||
During the morning of 26 November 2023, a group of militants attacked the military armoury at the Wilberforce barracks in Freetown, Sierra Leone,[1][2] close to the presidential residence.[3] Later the same morning, they broke into Central Pademba Road Prison in Freetown, releasing inmates after the security forces retreated from the area.[3][4] Militant soldiers were allegedly spotted in police vehicles, carrying stolen equipment. Other clashes were reported near Murray Town, home of the navy, as well as in another military site near Freetown.[1] Two guards assigned at the residence of former president Ernest Bai Koroma were also attacked.[4]
The country was subsequently placed under a nationwide curfew, with a manhunt being called to find the militants.[3] President Julius Maada Bio claimed the attack was repelled by the security forces, as the government declared being in control of the situation.[1][2] Fighting was reported to have been pushed back to the Jui area.[5]
Background[edit]
In July and August, there were reports of a coup plot, where numerous arrests where made among security services.
Motivations[edit]
The group responsible for the attacks is still unknown.
One of the militants, patrolling on a stolen police vehicle near the Wilberforce barracks, claimed their intent to "clean [the] society", and asserted not being after ordinary civilians.[4]
Reactions[edit]
ECOWAS condemned the attacks, issuing on Sunday a statement of "zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government", calling it an attempt to disrupt Sierra Leone's constitutional order.[1][2]
The US embassy also condemned the attacks, offering continuous support to Sierra Leone in a social media statement.[2]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d "Sierra Leone imposes nationwide curfew after military barracks attacked". Al Jazeera. November 26, 2023.
- ^ a b c d "Sierra Leone imposes nationwide curfew after armed clashes in capital". Guardian. November 26, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Sierra Leone under curfew as prisoners on the loose". BBC News. November 26, 2023.
- ^ a b c "Sierra Leone president says calm restored, most leaders of barracks attack detained". Reuters. November 27, 2023.
- ^ "S.Leone under curfew after military armoury attacked". France 24. November 26, 2023.
