Sierra Leone's capital returns to normalcy as manhunt for attackers continues

FREETOWN, Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone's capital remained tense on Monday (Nov. 27) even as a 24-hour curfew was relaxed to a dusk-to-dawn lockdown.

Members of the Sierra Leonean security forces leave the mortuary of the Connaught Hospital in Freetown on November 27, 2023.

This came after president Julius Madda Bio said most of the leaders of weekend attacks on the nation’s main military barracks and prisons had been arrested.

Many business owners in Free Town ran at a loss on Sunday (Nov. 26).

Residents in the capital were awoken by sounds of heavy gunfire as gunmen tried to break into the key armory in the country's largest military barracks, located near the presidential villa.

The gunmen exchanged fire for several hours with security forces. They also targeted major detention centers – including the central prison – and freed or abducted an unconfirmed number of people, authorities said.

Julius Madda Bio

Not much is known publicly about the identities or intentions of the attackers. There have been no claims of responsibility. The army spokesperson said Monday 13 soldiers were killed during the incident. 

Our correspondent cited Col. Issa Bangura saying that retired and active military personel were among those wanted.

Sierra Leone has been on edge since mid-August last year. At the time, massive protests in parts of Freetown and other areas in the Northern part of the country shook the nation.

In August this year, president Bio emerged winner of highly divisive polls.