The police authorities in Sierra Leone have confirmed a plan to disrupt the peace of the West African country, pointing accusing fingers at senior military officers and others, who are now in detention.
A statement dated Monday, July 31, 2023, and issued by the Media and Public Relations Department, Sierra Leone Police Headquarters in Freetown, said that the security sector in the country has been following intelligence regarding the activities of certain individuals, including senior military officers, working to undermine the peace and tranquility of the state and unleash violence on peaceful citizens of Sierra Leone.
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The development is coming on the heels of political instability in a fellow West African country – Niger Republic – where a military junta had seized power from the elected President Mohamed Bazoum-led government.
However, the Sierra Leonean Police authorities said, “In that regard, several arrests have been made and the suspects are assisting the police with the investigations.
“Preliminary investigations have revealed that these individuals planned to use purported peaceful protests between 7 to 10 August 2023, as a guise to unleash violent attacks against state institutions and peaceful citizens.
“The security sector notes with dismay, that despite continued efforts to consolidate our hard won peace and democratic gains, there are individuals at home and abroad that continue to undertake actions meant to derail the peace and tranquility of the country.
“The security sector assures the public that the country remains peaceful and that the situation is fully under control. The public is therefore urged to remain calm and go about their normal business.
“We encourage members of the public to report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities,” the statement said.