The disturbances that reverberated through Sierra Leone‘s capital, Freetown, on Sunday resulted in the tragic loss of 13 lives among the government loyalist army, as disclosed by the army spokesperson on Monday. These clashes were reportedly orchestrated by a coalition of both active and retired military personnel.
‘We have launched a manhunt for all those who were involved in the violent attack, amongst them current and retired serving soldiers,’ Colonel Issa Bangura told reporters.
Freetown saw a cautious return to normalcy on Monday, bolstered by an increased security presence, as the government selectively lifted the curfew imposed in response to the recent clashes in the city.
According to Bangura’s statement to AFP, eight more soldiers incurred severe injuries in the course of the clashes as they valiantly protected their barracks.
Over 24 hours since the incident, authorities are yet to provide a comprehensive toll following the intrusion by armed assailants into a military armoury and multiple prisons. This led to prolonged battles with security forces.
Read also: Curfew In Sierra Leone Following Freetown Prisoner Escape
Armed assailants breached the central prison and other penitentiaries, leading to the apparent escape of dozens of inmates.
Footage shared on social media indicates that men in uniform are in custody, either seated in the back or beside a military pick-up truck.
There meanwhile remained no indication of who had been responsible for their motives.
‘Certain members of the military are not loyal towards the government or the president, despite taking the oath,’ said Bangura.
‘We want to restore law and order as quickly as possible,’ he stressed.
President Julius Maada Bio stated on Sunday night that calm had been restored after what he characterized as an attempt to undermine peace and stability. He vowed to hold those responsible for the clashes accountable.
President Julius Maada Bio reported that a large number of those responsible for the clashes have been arrested.