The Economic Community of West African States has denounced the conspiracy of certain individuals aiming to disrupt the peace in Sierra Leone.
In a statement on Sunday, ECOWAS said, “The bloc has learnt, with utter disgust, a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.
“ECOWAS condemns this act and calls for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the illegality.
“The bloc has always maintained its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government and the people of Sierra Leone’s quest to deepen democracy and good governance by consolidating peace and security so as to foster socio-economic development.”
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the Sierra Leonean government implemented a 24-hour nationwide curfew following an assault by unidentified gunmen on a military barracks and an attempted break-in at an armoury in the capital city, Freetown.
Chernor Bah, the Information and Civic Education Minister, announced the curfew order in a statement released on Sunday.
President Julius Bio declared the nationwide curfew in response to the security breach at the Freetown military barracks.
Minister Bah quoted President Bio reiterating the government’s commitment to safeguarding democracy and peace. He assured that security forces had taken control of the situation.
“In the early hours of Sunday, some unidentified individuals attempted to break into the military armoury at the Wilberforce barracks. They have been rebuffed.
“A nationwide curfew has been declared with immediate effect. We strongly advise citizens to stay indoors.”
