Weekend attacks in Sierra Leone ‘attempted coup’: Official
KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) – Deadly attacks on government institutions in Sierra Leone’s capital of Freetown was an attempted coup to remove the government, an official said Tuesday.
“The incident was a failed attempted coup. The intention was to illegally subvert and overthrow a democratically elected government,” said Information Minister Chernoh Bah.
“The attempt failed, and plenty of the leaders are either in police custody or on the run,” he said.
Violence broke out Sunday between security forces and unknown assailants who tried to break into a military armory.
The assailants attacked military barracks and prisons, freeing 2,000 inmates, according to authorities.
The clashes left 19 people dead, including security personnel.
Sierra Leone police published photos and the identities of 34 men and women Tuesday, including serving and retired soldiers, police officers and civilians on a wanted list following the incident.
Bah said a manhunt has been launched to capture suspects for prosecution.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
