Sierra Leone authorities said today they consider clashes that left 21 people dead in the capital Freetown on Sunday to be a “failed coup attempt.”
“We have launched an investigation into an attempted coup [de Estado] failed when a group of people tried to overthrow the current government by force,” said Police Commissioner William Fayia Sellu.
According to the commissioner, they continue to persecute those who “have attempted to overthrow a legitimate authority by force.”
21 people were killed in the events, including 14 soldiers and three robbers.
“The security services are now telling me that the events of November 26 may well have been a failed coup attempt (…) These people may have had the intention to illegally attack and overthrow the democratically elected government of Sierra Leone,” said Information Minister Chernor Bah.
Thirteen soldiers and one civilian suspected of involvement in the attack are in custody, the minister added.
Sierra Leone police released the photos and identities of 34 men and women wanted in connection with the clashes. Photo: UMARU FOFANA/Portal
ECOWAS is ready for use
In response to the event, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) may send “elements” to Sierra Leone if necessary, an organization source said in a video released today.
The Presidency of Sierra Leone released images on social media today (28/11) showing President Julius Maada Bio receiving a delegation from ECOWAS and Nigeria, which currently holds the Presidency of the Community.
“The Chairman of the Authority (…) has asked us to emphasize that ECOWAS is ready and committed to supporting the people of Sierra Leone in their efforts to strengthen national security by all means, including through the use of regional elements where appropriate “said the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, in the video, without specifying which “elements” he was referring to.
According to Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, “ECOWAS and Nigeria will not accept interference in the democracy, peace, security and stability of Sierra Leone.”
Invasion of the military arsenal
In Freetown there were armed clashes for several hours between security forces and unknown attackers who attempted to break into a military arsenal.
The central prison and other prison facilities were raided and dozens of inmates reportedly fled, but according to the information minister, “more than 100 of the inmates returned to the prisons to search for fleeing suspects.”
Today, Sierra Leone Police released the photos and identities of 34 men and women wanted in connection with the clashes.
The 32 men and two women classified as “refugees” include active and retired soldiers, police officers and civilians.
The police statement released on social media promises a “handsome reward” for anyone who provides information leading to his capture.
Coups in Africa: An Endemic Evil
In less than a year, there have been eight coups and attempted coups on the African continent. Most of this happened in West Africa, the most fertile region of the continent for Intentonas. There is no surprise factor.
Photo: Radio Television Guineenne/AP Photo/Image Alliance
Niger: attempted coup failed
The coup attempt took place on March 31, 2021, two days before President Mohamed Bazoum took office. Some army members behind the attack were arrested in the capital Niamey. The alleged coup leader is an air force officer in charge of security at Niamey air base. Niger has already suffered four coups: the last coup in 2010 overthrew Mamadou Tandja.
Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa/picture Alliance
Chad: A coupflavored successor
Shortly after Marshal Idriss Déby won the presidential election, he died fighting rebels. On April 21, 2021, his son, General Mahamat Déby, took over the leadership of the country without elections and appointed 15 generals to the Transitional Military Council, including his family members. Idriss ruled Chad with an iron fist for more than 30 years and his son is showing signs of following in his footsteps.
Photo: Christophe Petit Tesson/Portal
Mali: A coup amid election promises
Colonel Assimi Goita was the one who ousted Bah Ndaw from the presidency of Mali on May 24, 2021. He justifies this by saying that he tried to “sabotage” the transition in the country. However, Goita promised elections in 2022 and spoke of the armed forces’ “tireless commitment” to defend the country’s security. Shortly afterwards, the Constitutional Court declared the colonel president of the transition.
Photo: Xinhua/imago images
Tunisia: A coup without the use of weapons
On July 25, 2021, Kais Saied dismissed the prime minister and his rival Hichem Mechichi and suspended parliament for 30 days, which was viewed as a coup by the opposition, which called for demonstrations in the name of democracy. Saied also lifted parliamentarians’ immunity and guaranteed that decisions would be made within the law. On the streets of Tunis he had the support of the people.
Photo: Fethi Belaid/AFP/Getty Images
GuineaConakry: An imposter on the president’s trust
September 5, 2021 began with gunfire in Conakry, a militarydominated capital. President Alpha Condé was deposed and arrested by Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, who dissolved the constitution and institutions. The coup leader betrayed Condé, who valued him very much and trusted him. Doumboya had too much power and could not handle the leadership of the military wing.
Photo: Radio Television Guineenne via AP/Picture Alliance
Sudan: Coup jeopardizes change of government
On October 25, 2021, the coup plotters began arresting Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok and other senior government officials and then carried out the classic takeover of the main broadcaster. General Abdel Fattah alBurhan, who dissolved the Sovereign Council, was in command. Since then, there have been violent demonstrations in Sudan in which the police have been accused of using excessive force.
Photo: Mahmoud Hjaj/AA/Picture Alliance
Burkina Faso: Coup celebrated
There was unrest at the start of the year, but the attempt was celebrated on the streets of the capital Ouagadougou. On January 23, 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Damiba led the coup along with the army. President Roch Kaboré had no choice but to resign. Like coup plotters in other countries, they are campaigning for a return to constitutional order after consultations.
Photo: Facebook/Presidency of Burkina Faso
GuineaBissau: Intentona or “inventona”?
Shots, riots, dead and injured in the government palace on February 1, 2022 in Bissau. President Umaro Sissoco Embaló says the coup plotters wanted to kill him and Prime Minister Nuno Nabiam. Some arrests were made, but the leader of the attempted coup remains unknown to this day. People in the country believe that everything is nothing more than a “theater” staged by the president himself, which is widely disputed.
Photo: Iancuba Danso/DW