Why is Sierra Leone under a curfew?
Sierra Leone has declared a nationwide curfew after gunmen attacked a military barracks in the capital, Freetown, according to a government statement, after months of post-election unrest in the West African nation.
A government statement said the security forces were in control of the situation.
“In the early hours of Sunday, some unidentified individuals attempted to break into the military armory at the Wilberforce barracks. They have been rebuffed,” Information Minister Chernor Bah said in the statement.
Detainees from Central Padema Road prison in the capital city of Freetown were released on Sunday morning, an official at the facility told BBC News.
Earlier on, the gunmen had attacked a military barracks in the city.
Residents reported hearing gunshots at the barracks, which are close to the presidential residence.
After the attack, the Ministry of Information declared an immediate curfew and “strongly” recommended people across the West African country stay indoors.
The political situation in Sierra Leone has remained tense since June, when President Bio was re-elected after narrowly missing a run-off.
International observers condemned inconsistencies and a lack of transparency in the count, as well as acts of violence and intimidation.
In August, a number of soldiers were arrested and accused of plotting a coup against the president.
The US, European Union, UK, and regional block ECOWAS have released statements strongly condemning Sunday’s violence.
