Sierra Leone’s government declared full control on Sunday evening, following a report of an attack on a military armoury in the capital Freetown that sparked armed skirmishes and was described by the president as an attempt to disrupt the state.
Authorities in the English-speaking West African country, which has been in a political turmoil since June elections, have announced a national curfew until further notice.
President Julius Maada Bio announced late Sunday that tranquilly has been restored following what he described as an attempt to destabilise the country’s peace and stability.
“Most of the leaders have been arrested. Security operations and investigations are ongoing,” Bio said on national television, adding that the government would “ensure that those responsible are held accountable”.
Calm was slowly returning to the capital by Sunday evening, but checkpoints heavily guarded by security forces remained in place.
The “government is in firm control of the security situation in Freetown, the attackers are retreating,” information minister Chernor Bah.
Videos posted on social media appeared to show men in uniform under arrest in the back or beside a military pick-up truck.