Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has implemented a nationwide curfew following an attack by unidentified gunmen on the largest military barracks in the capital, Freetown. The assault raised concerns about a potential breakdown of order, especially in the midst of a surge in coups across the region.
President Bio, in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), confirmed the attack on the Wilberforce barracks’ military armory and assured that security forces successfully repelled the assailants, restoring calm. He announced the imposition of a nationwide curfew, urging citizens to remain indoors while the security forces continue efforts to apprehend the fleeing individuals.
The Ministry of Information and Education stated that the government and security forces are in control of the situation, although no immediate details were provided about the attackers or the motive behind the assault.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), to which Sierra Leone belongs, characterized the incident as an attempt to acquire weapons and disrupt peace and constitutional order. ECOWAS reaffirmed its strong stance against unconstitutional changes of government in a released statement.
President Bio, who secured a controversial reelection in June amid allegations of electoral manipulation, faces ongoing criticism due to challenging economic conditions. Sierra Leone, still recovering from a devastating civil war over two decades ago, grapples with significant poverty, with nearly 60% of its seven million-plus population facing economic hardship, and youth unemployment ranking among the highest in West Africa.
