Coup: Sierra Leone Imposes Nationwide Curfew

Sierra Leone has implemented a nationwide curfew in response to an assault on a military barracks in the capital, Freetown, by unidentified gunmen, as stated by the government. This incident follows months of post-election unrest in the West African nation.

On Sunday, Sierra Leone's government reported successfully repelling the attack at the main Wilberforce barracks, asserting control over the situation. Information Minister Chernor Bah assured the public in a Sunday statement that "the government and its state security forces are in control."

Bah urged citizens to "stay indoors" as security forces "continued the process of apprehending the suspects."

Witnesses informed AFP news agency of heavy gunfire and explosions in the capital early Sunday, with a video on social media showing plumes of smoke rising from the streets.

Other witnesses mentioned exchanges of fire near a barracks in the Murray Town district, housing the navy, and outside another military site in Freetown, AFP reported.

Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio acknowledged the security breach in a Sunday statement on his official social media account, attributing the attack to a group of "renegades."

Bio confirmed the restoration of calm and ongoing efforts by security forces to "root out the remnant of the fleeing renegades." He called on all citizens to unite in protecting democracy in Sierra Leone.

"The PEACE of our beloved NATION is PRICELESS, and we shall continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability," stated the post.

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