In Sierra Leone, fourteen soldiers, including both current and former police officers, as well as two civilians, have been apprehended and are currently under investigation for charges of “subversion.” Additionally, a search is actively ongoing for eight individuals. This update was provided by the inspector general on Tuesday.
During the previous week, the police had already reported the detention of a group of individuals who were allegedly plotting violent assaults on the commemoration of fatal riots that occurred in August 2022, resulting in the deaths of over 30 people. The suspects were believed to be aiming to disrupt the peace and harmony of the state, intending to exploit upcoming peaceful protests as a cover to carry out violent attacks against both state institutions and peaceful citizens.
Out of the total of 14 detained armed forces members, eight hold ranks ranging from lieutenant to major, while the remaining six are non-commissioned officers placed between private and sergeant positions.
Inspector General William Fayia Sellu addressed this matter during a press conference on Tuesday. He revealed that an additional five military personnel and three police officers are being pursued through an active manhunt.
Fayia Sellu assured the public of the situation’s management, stating, “We are in full control, and security measures have been significantly enhanced.” He emphasised that security and intelligence efforts have been heightened across the nation.
The inspector general further informed that Sierra Leone has formally requested Interpol’s assistance in extraditing any suspects who might have fled abroad.
On the preceding Monday, Liberia’s information minister, Ledgerhood Rennie, informed journalists that Mohammed Yaetey Turay, a former chief superintendent of police who had been dismissed in 2020, was arrested in Liberia at the behest of Sierra Leonean authorities. Sierra Leone’s information minister, Chernor Bah, corroborated this development, stating that Turay’s arrest was connected to thwarted plans by certain individuals to disrupt the state’s peace and subject its citizens to violence. Chernor Bah mentioned that Turay is one of the contributors to the ongoing investigations.
Last year, on August 10th, a series of economic and political protests in Freetown, the capital, and other urban centers escalated into fatal clashes. Official statistics indicate that the clashes resulted in the deaths of twenty-seven civilians and six police officers.
