Sierra Leone authorities make 43 new arrests following foiled coup attempt

Sierra Leone’s government reported on Monday a total of 57 arrests linked to the failed coup on November 26, with 43 individuals detained over the weekend. The majority of those arrested are military personnel, including 37 soldiers, while the remaining detainees consist of 10 civilians, four dismissed soldiers, and six police officers.

Deputy Information Minister Yusuf Keketoma Sandi announced the latest figures on state radio, refraining from disclosing the specific details surrounding the arrests. The identities of the coup leaders remain undisclosed.

President Julius Maada Bio assured on Saturday that the response to the coup attempt would be guided by “respect for the law.” The November 26 incident involved attacks on a military armoury, barracks, prisons, and police stations, resulting in 21 casualties, including 14 soldiers, a police officer, a prison guard, a security guard, a woman, and three attackers.

The surge in coup attempts across West Africa since 2020, witnessed in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea, remains a cause for concern. Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo also denounced an “attempted coup d’état” following clashes between security forces on Thursday to Friday night.