Victor Ezeja
AdminCondemning the failed coup plot in Sierra Leone, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) says it is utterly disgusted by the attempt to “disturb the peace and constitutional order” of the West African nation.
The government of the Sierra Leone had foiled a coup attempt by a group of armed men who Sunday morning breeched the country’s main military armory in a barracks in the capital, Freetown.
The Sierra Leonese government reported this in a statement, declaring that it had launched a national curfew with immediate effect and “strongly advising citizens to stay at home”.
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In the early hours of Sunday, unidentified individuals attempted to enter the military armory at Wilberforce Barracks with sporadic gunshots renting the air as the putschists were being repelled.
Reacting in a statement in Abuja, ECOWAS called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the coup plotters, expressing its aversion for unconstitutional change of government.
The ECOWAS said it has learnt with utter disgust of a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone.
The statement read further, “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.”
The Sierra Leonean President, Julius Maada Bio had in an early morning emergency nationwide broadcast alerted the nation on the attempted coup and imposed a 24-hour nationwide curfew on the country.
“Some unidentified individuals attacked the military armoury. However, they were repelled by our gallant security forces and calm has been restored.
“As the combined team of our security forces continues to route out the remnant of the fleeing renegades, a nationwide curfew has been declared and citizens are encouraged to stay indoors,” the President announced.
Meanwhile, the United States Embassy in Sierra Leone has condemned the attempted putsch.
In a tweet on Sunday, the embassy expressed strong disapproval of the action and called for cooperation with government security forces.
The embassy also emphasized the importance of adhering to the government’s curfew guidelines for personal safety, and affirmed its support for “a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Sierra Leone”.
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