International community calls for calm in Sierra Leone after hours of deadly protests

Sierra Leone Telegraph: 10 August 2022:

The international community in Sierra Leone, led by United Nations Resident Coordinator in the country – Babatunde Ahonsi, this afternoon called for calm in the aftermath of violent confrontation in many parts of the country between the police and angry youths who took to the streets in protest at what they described as the president’s abuse of power, corruption and rising cost of living. (Photo above: President Bio).

Writing on twitter, Ahonsi called for dialogue and said the UN is willing to act as a broker that can bring all sides together in search of a common ground.

“The United Nations in Sierra Leone expresses serious concerns over the violent incidents that occurred today in Freetown, including reports of casualties,” Ahonsi (Photo) said.

President Bio who won the 2018 presidential election with 1,319,406 votes (51.81%) against the APC candidate – Dr Samura Kamara who polled 1,227,171 votes (48.19%), is tonight said to have lost all hopes of his SLPP taking control of the capital Freetown and large swathes of the northern province.

Following a nationwide broadcast this afternoon by vice president Jalloh declaring a curfew, the police issued this statement:   

“Following the declaration of a nationwide curfew by His Excellency the Hon. Vice President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) wishes to inform the general public as follows: That the curfew shall be in force from 3pm on the 10th August, 2022, to 7am of 11th August 2022. Every other day is from 7pm to 7am. That all essential workers at the following places: hospitals, hotels, radio stations, television stations, telecommunications, companies, Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (EGTC), and Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA), with valid identification, are allowed to move around during the period of  the curfew.”

Commenting on today’s wave of protests and violence, this is what President Bio said from his holiday home in London:

 

2 Comments

  1. The reality is, as long as the APC party are in opposition, even Pope Francis of the Vatican can’t convince them about peace in our nation. I personally believe that even the current Mayor Yvonne Aki Sawyer has sold her soul to the APC, so Freetown which used to be the beacon of Western civilization and development is now a BIG SLUM and haven for APC TERRORISTS.
    Peaceful demonstrations will never happen while the APC are in opposition.
    Let’s continue to pray for the father of our democracy President Julius Maada Wonnie Bio, who is the Commander In Chief of the Armed Force and Fountain of Honor. He made his decision to sacrifice his life for his nation and restored peace and stability which late President Tejan Kabba strengthening through the signing of the Lome Peace Accord.
    Due to the rapid development during the past four years despite the one year COVID-19 lockdown, the APC are now determined to engage in SCORCHED EARTH POLICIES ( destruction of anything useful to our citizens) including transformers, buses and even police stations and SLPP offices. The loss of lives of our police officers should be thoroughly investigated and the murderers should face justice.
    The link below shows the tribute to late President Kabba who also went through this same predicament within his first term whilst the terrorists APC were in opposition : https://www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com/president-kabba-an-emblem-of-peace-and-icon-of-democracy-says-maada-bio/

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