Africa’s regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has condemned plots by some individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order of Sierra Leoneans.
The Sierra Leone government said on Sunday evening it was in full control after reporting an attack at a military armoury in the capital Freetown that sparked armed clashes, which President Julius Maada Bio called an attempt to destabilise the state.
A statement released by ECOWAS in Abuja, while condemning the plot, has called for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the illegality.
The body in the statement reiterated its zero tolerance for unconstitutional change of government, stressing that it is committed to supporting the deepening of democracy and good governance, consolidating peace and security, as well as fostering socio-economic development.
President Bio, who was first elected in 2018, was re-elected in June with 56.17 percent of the vote, just over the 55 percent needed to avoid a run-off.
There has been a worrisome rise in military takeovers across Africa. Since January 2023, the continent has experienced four coups in Gabon, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
ECOWAS CONDEMNS THE DISTURBANCES IN FREETOWN pic.twitter.com/uJeV39kaxk
— Ecowas – Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) November 26, 2023
