IPNEWS – Former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma has condemned his country’s security personnel for the alleged killing of one of his bodyguards during the reported coup attempt on Sunday, November 26, 2023 in that West Africa nation’s capital, Freetown.
The country’s incumbent President, Mr. Julius Maada Bio stated that “In the early hours of this morning, there was a breach of security at the Military Barracks at Wilberforce in Freetown, as some unidentified individuals attacked the military armoury.”
According to President Bio, the purported “unidentified individuals” were “repelled by our gallant Security Forces.”
But in a post on one of the former President’s official social pages, President Koroma, who served that sisterly nation from 2007 to 2018 (two terms) wrote: “With great disappointment, I have followed the sickening violent events unfolding in our capital Freetown since the early hours of this morning.
“It is deeply concerning that once again our beloved nation could be subjected to such insecurity. I strongly condemn the grave breaches of state security and the killing, right inside of my Goderich residence in Freetown, of Corporal Eddie Conteh, a military guard assigned to me by the state.
“Corporal Eddie Conteh was reportedly shot at point blank range while his colleague, Warrant Officer John Swarray was whisked away to an unknown location. Any actions, events and pronouncements that threaten to undermine the political and social stability of the state should have no place in a democracy.
“While it is imperative to restore law and order, I urge for calm and for all stakeholders to continue on the path of peaceful dialogue in resolving differences.
“May God bless the Republic of Sierra Leone!”
President Koroma also posted on his X (formerly Twitter) page: “I also condemn the tragic loss of Corporal Eddie Conteh, a dedicated military guard assigned to me who was killed on duty at my residence in Freetown. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Warrant Officer John Swarray was also taken away from my residence in Freetown. I look forward to his safe return.”
Earlier, President Maada Bio had informed his fellow Sierra Leoneans and the world about what was obtaining in his country. He imposed a nationwide curfew in order to search for those responsible for the alleged coup attempt.
“Fellow Sierra Leoneans, I bring you greetings from the Presidential Lodge in Freetown. In the early hours of this morning, there was a breach of security at the Military Barracks at Wilberforce in Freetown, as some unidentified individuals attacked the military armoury.
“However, they were repelled by our gallant Security Forces and calm has been restored.
“As the combined team of our Security Forces continue to root out the remnant of the fleeing renegades, a nationwide curfew has been declared and citizens are encouraged to stay indoors. 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.
“We remain resolute in our determination to protect democracy in Sierra Leone and I urge all Sierra Leoneans to unite towards this collective responsibility. Long Live The Republic of Sierra Leone.”
Sierra Leone like Liberia went through one of the recorded, very brutal civil conflicts. That country’s civil conflict started on March 23, 1991 and ended 2002. There are reports that more than 50,000 lives were lost during the fracas, which tore that nation apart.
