• UGI USER
  • Dec 19, 2023
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COUP ATTEMPT IN SIERRA LEONE: UNRAVELLING EVENTS

Why in the News?

  • Unidentified gunmen target Wilberforce military barracks, police stations, and correctional centres in Freetown in a Coup Attempt on November 26.
  • Declared an unsuccessful coup attempt by the Minister of Information and Civic Education.
Source: Pixta

Root Causes:

Political Instability:

  • Unrest since President Julius Maada Wonie Bio’s contested re-election in June.
  • Opposition’s claims of election manipulation led to non-engagement with the government.

Economic Instability:

  • High cost of living crisis and severe poverty.
  • President Bio’s economic policies exacerbate the crisis, leading to protests demanding his resignation.

Police Aggression:

  • Aggressive police response to the 2020 prison riot and August 2022 protests.
  • Resentment persists due to lack of accountability for protest casualties.

State Response:

  • Immediate imposition and subsequent lifting of an indefinite curfew.
  • Nationwide curfews imposed again, impacting airline schedules.
  • Cash reward announced for information on coup leaders.
  • President Bio claims calm is restored, but shots fired during security operations.

The Economic Committee Of Western African States(ECOWAS) Involvement:

  • Six African countries, including Niger, Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gabon, and Sudan, witnessed coups or attempts since 2020.
  • ECOWAS emphasizes intolerance towards unconstitutional takeovers.
  • Sierra Leone, an ECOWAS member, faces potential intervention and sanctions if security concerns persist.
  • ECOWAS delegates visit Sierra Leone, showcasing commitment to democracy.