Authorities in Sierra Leone imposed a nationwide curfew on Aug. 10, amid anti-government protests, in which a still undetermined number of people have been killed, apparently including at least four police officers. In the capital Freetown, protesters barricaded the streets and clashed with security forces, enraged at a 40% spike in the cost of living. A key demand is the resignation of President Julius Maada Bio, who is on a month-long vacation with his family in London—a trip apparently paid for with misappropriated public funds. The government has shut down internet access in the country to prevent activists from issuing calls to protest and spreading images of the repression. President Bio has long been accused of rampant corruption and human rights abuses. (AllAfrica, NYT)
Food and fuel prices are spiking worldwide due to the Ukraine war, sparking protests in countries across the planet.
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Coup attempt in Sierra Leone?
Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio declared a nationwide curfew Nov. 26, after unidentified gunmen attacked the military barracks at Wilberforce in the capital Freetown. The gunmen raided Pademba Road Prison, and succeeded in freeing several detainees.,
The attack follows months of social unrest in the country following the June presidential election, which resulted in President Bio of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) winning with a 56% of the vote. The rival Samura Kamara of the All People’s Congress (APC), who came second, rejected the result for lack of transparency and asked to initiate a thorough investigation into the electoral process. (Jurist, BBC News)
Sierra Leone charges ex-president in coup attempt
Sierra Leone prosecutors charged former President Ernest Bai Koroma with treason and other crimes on Jan. 3 for his alleged involvement in a failed military coup that took place on November 26, 2023. The announcement of the charges against Koroma comes a day after 12 other individuals, including Koroma’s former bodyguard, were charged with similar offenses. (Jurist)
Sierra Leone military court sentences soldiers in failed coup
A seven-person military court in Sierra Leone on Aug. 9 found 24 soldiers guilty of mutiny, murder and other charges in a 2023 failed coup attempt. After the decision by the panel, the presiding judge advocate handed the soldiers lengthy sentences ranging from 50 to 120 years in prison. (Jurist)