Saturday evening, the head of state launched a new call for unity, while maintaining a firm tone towards those who would like to attack institutions.
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On November 26, a group of unknown persons attacked military barracks, an armory and detention centers, including the central prison. Fighting broke out with the army, leaving 21 dead, including 14 soldiers and 3 coup plotters. 14 people were arrested and more than thirty are actively sought. More than 2,000 prisoners also managed to escape. An attempt at destabilization perpetrated according to the authorities by active and retired soldiers, just a few months after the elections last August.
“Their act was premeditated, coordinated and executed to depose the democratically elected government, overthrow the constitutional order, and ruin our decades of investment in peace and democracy. Arrests were made and investigations launched. The police have released a list of wanted people.” Julius Maada Bio therefore encourages “ strongly » citizens to provide « any useful information that would allow the fugitives to be arrested and help the investigations. »
“ This attempted putsch which occurs five months after the elections, to try to overturn the will of the people, is the most serious and unforgivable sin, launched the president. To those who sought to disrupt our democracy: you will not succeed! Whatever the provocations, our response to the events of the 26th will be measured and determined with a single criterion: the rule of law. The coup attempt will therefore be treated exclusively as a law and order problem. Not a political, tribal or religious issue. »
The Sierra Leonean Head of State finally called on citizens to oppose any unconstitutional changes, “any attack against our peace, our security and our democracy”and to say “no” to any person or group who “will choose to put his personal interest above the national interest. »