In response to the 26th November 2023 attempted coup, ECOWAS, US, EU, and Commonwealth out rightly condemned the unfortunate event on the above-mentioned date and called for a speedy investigation to bring the perpetrators to book.
Information and Civic Education Minister, Chernor Bah, thanked citizens for their level of patriotism in obeying law and order. He called on citizens to always check on the Ministry for factual information.
The Minister disclosed that the State Security has declared the Sunday event as an attempted coup. The event met the threshold of a coup attempt, according to the security sector. Minister Chernor Bah apologized on behalf of the security forces for placing some names on the wanted list that were not supposed to be on the list. The official updated list can be found on the Ministry’s Facebook page, he disclosed.
On his own part, the Inspector General of the Sierra Leone Police, William Fayia Sellu, informed the general public that, they are investigating an attempted coup, and assured the public that the security is on top of the situation, and that there is no cause for concern. Minister Chernor Bah provided further information on the number of casualties, disclosing that 14 RSLAF officers died, 1 SLP officer died, 1 correctional officer died and 3 assailants were killed. He further revealed that 13 military officials are in custody and 1 civilian in relation to the November 26th attempted coup.
The Chief of Defense Staff RSLAF, Lieutenant General Peter Lavahun, confirmed that Leather Boot lost his life the moment he was arrested in the Military facility, as he suffered gunshots on his feet. He said some of the assailants are on the run and called on citizens to provide any valuable information that would lead to their arrest. Two vehicles were retrieved from the assailants around Orugu and Allen Town.
Acting Director General Sierra Leone Correctional Centre, Colonel Sheikh Sulaiman Massaquoi, said Pademba Road and Special Court Prisons were breached and inmates escaped. He however said that few of the escaped inmates have turned themselves, adding that they are working to ensure they get back the inmates into the centres.
The assailants include serving Military men and former military and police officers. The Investigation is ongoing and more names are coming up.
Minister Chernor Bah called on citizens to go about their normal business and continue to be law-abiding, and also disclosed that there is a bounty for those on the wanted list and the escaped inmates. NLe50,000 for the assailants and NLe10,000 for inmates.