The failed coup in Sierra Leone: a threat to stability and democracy
In a public statement, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone described the recent November 26 incident as an abortive coup. The President revealed that investigations by security and intelligence services clearly indicate evidence of a premeditated and coordinated attempt to overthrow the democratically elected government through violent and illegal means.
President Julius Maada Bio addressed the nation, expressing the seriousness of the situation. He said: “Their action was premeditated and coordinated, and aimed to overthrow the democratically elected government by violent and illegal means, overthrow the constitutional order and reverse decades of investments in peace and democracy.”
The President’s words underline the seriousness of the incident, which was not simply a spontaneous event but a calculated act aimed at disrupting the established democratic order in Sierra Leone. The attackers sought to dismantle the constitutional structure that the country has rigorously built over the years, threatening peace and democratic progress made through significant investments.
President Bio stressed that his government would treat the failed coup as a matter of law and order, devoid of political, tribal or religious considerations. He sought to reassure the population that the response to this incident would be guided by the pursuit of justice and respect for the rule of law.
“The failed coup will therefore be treated by my government as a matter of law and order, not as a political, tribal or religious matter. Therefore, let all be reassured that we will follow the evidence wherever it leads us are leading,” President Bio said, affirming commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation.
The clashes left 21 dead, including 14 soldiers and three attackers, he said. Thirteen soldiers and one civilian suspected of being involved in the coup attempt are in detention, he added.
Several soldiers opposed to the government are former guards of former President Ernest Bai Koroma, said Lieutenant General and Chief of Staff Peter Lavahun.
Lavahun said investigations into the clashes were ongoing and did not link it to Koroma, adding that those responsible for the clashes had still not been identified.
Some officials suggested a former member of Koroma’s guard may have been among those killed, citing photos circulating on social media.
Koroma, who lives in the capital and condemned the violence in a statement on Sunday, said a corporal in his guard was shot dead outside his home.
Authorities reviewing Sunday’s events admitted Tuesday that, contrary to initial government claims, rebel soldiers had managed to obtain firearms.
Security services reported finding two vehicles equipped with rocket launchers and assault rifles on the outskirts of Freetown.
Police have previously released photographs of 32 men and two women wanted in connection with the unrest. They include serving and retired soldiers and police officers, as well as civilians.
A police statement posted on social media offers a “great reward” to anyone who provides information about the “fugitives.”
The unrest has sparked fears of another coup in West Africa, where Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Guinea have all experienced putsches since 2020.
President Julius Maada Bio on Monday received a high-level delegation from ECOWAS and Nigeria, a regional heavyweight which currently holds the presidency of the regional organization.
“The Acting Chairman of the Authority…has requested us to emphasize the willingness and commitment of ECOWAS to support the people of Sierra Leone in strengthening national security by all means, including possible deployment regional elements”, declared Omar Alieu Touray, chairman of the ECOWAS Commission delegation visiting Freetown.
He did not specify what he meant by “elements”.
“ECOWAS and Nigeria will not accept any interference in democracy, peace, security and stability in Sierra Leone,” said Nigeria’s National Security Advisor, Malam Nuhu Ribadu.
Sierra Leone experienced a political crisis following June elections, the results of which were contested by the main opposition.
An agreement was reached in October following mediations led by the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS.
President Bio himself led a coup in the 1990s before handing over power and returning to politics as a civilian a few years later.