Recent Security Breach in Sierra Leone: A Statement from the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone
On Sunday, November 26, 2023, unidentified gunmen attacked various military installations, police stations, and the main correctional institutions in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Immediately following the security breaches, officials implemented an indefinite nationwide curfew as they worked to bring those gunmen into justice. The next day, the indefinite curfew was lifted, and a new stay in-place mandate was imposed from 9:00 pm until 6:00 am, daily. Global Relations Minister, Dr. Kahala Cannon, was in Freetown at the time of the attacks and accompanied our partner, Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL), as they responded to the situation and encouraged citizens to seek “divine intervention in these challenging times.”
As officials continued to investigate the security situations and foster peace in the nation, they later determined that the security breaches were related to an attempted unconstitutional change in government. Moreover, government officials recently confirmed that former President, Ernest Bia Koroma’s is being investigated for his alleged involvement in the failed coup d’état attempt and that he is under house arrest while investigations continue.
Today, the atmosphere in Sierra Leone remains tense and a revised curfew from 12:00 am to 6:00 am remains in effect. And the Council of Churches in Sierra Leone continues to monitor the ongoing process of investigations and developments as they occur, while calling for peace in the nation.
Statement:
The Council of Churches in Sierra Leone (CCSL) expresses deep concern over the recent security breaches occurring at various Military installations, Police Stations, and the main correctional centers in Freetown during the early hours of Sunday, November 26th, 2023.
We vehemently condemn this violent act and assault on State Security and the loss of lives. We urge the Government to swiftly and fairly conduct thorough investigations.
We call upon fellow citizens to remain calm and extend full cooperation to law enforcement agencies during their inquiries.
We continue to pray fervently for the peace of our beloved nation and appeal for special prayers across all our churches, seeking divine intervention in these challenging times.
May God bless our beloved nation, Sierra Leone.