The armed clashes that shook the capital of Sierra Leone, Freetown, on November 26, 2023, sowed panic and confusion among the population. While the country was facing several economic and social challenges, this attempt at destabilization added a new layer of suffering to the already suffering population.
President Julius Maada Bio quickly reacted by ensuring that calm had been restored and that most of those responsible for the violence had been arrested. However, the authorities have not yet communicated an official human toll, leaving citizens waiting for information regarding the loss of life.
Videos circulating on social media show individuals in uniform apparently arrested by security forces. Social networks also mention a former member of former president Ernest Bai Koroma’s bodyguard among the participants in the attack, who fell under fire from security forces.
The security situation remains tense, with the presence of numerous checkpoints guarded by large security forces across the city. The authorities have imposed a curfew throughout the country until further notice, in order to maintain order and secure the population.
International organizations strongly condemned this violence. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) described this attempt to destabilize the state as taking up arms and a violation of constitutional order, affirming its principle of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government. The European Union and the United States have also expressed concern and called for respect for the constitutional order.
Beyond the security consequences, this new crisis further weakens the country and its inhabitants who are already facing numerous economic and social problems. This attempt at destabilization highlights the need for the State to control the situation and find solutions to allow the country to progress and rebuild itself.
In conclusion, the armed clashes in Freetown in Sierra Leone have generated a new wave of fear and suffering among the population already weakened by economic and social challenges. While the authorities assure that calm has been restored, it is essential that measures are taken to guarantee the security and stability of the country. It is also important that efforts are made to address the economic and social concerns of citizens, in order to help them rebuild and progress towards a better future.