In what can be regarded as dangerous trend against democratic dispensation, having established themselves in Burkina Faso, Mali and recently in Niger Republic, soldiers have concluded plans to take over power in Sierra Leone.
But the Sierra Leonian police officers have nipped the plan on the bus and arrested high-ranking soldiers suspected to be plotting military coup against President Julius Bio and violent attacks against the citizens.
The startling revelation was disclosed by the police in a statement made available on Tuesday.
The statement further disclosed that, “The security sector has been following intelligence regarding the activities of certain individuals, including senior military officers, working to undermine the peace and tranquillity of the state.
“In that regard several arrests have been made and the suspects are assisting the police with the investigations.”
It added that, “the suspects planned to use peaceful protests scheduled for next week “as a guise to unleash violent attacks against state institutions and peaceful citizens.”
On August 10, 2022, economic and political protests in the capital Freetown and other cities spiralled into deadly clashes.
According to official figures, 27 civilians and six police officers died that day and in the several days that followed.
Amnesty International said it had gathered testimonies alleging excessive use of force, and condemned internet restrictions.
It is instructive to note that Sierra Leone held general elections on June 24 while President Bio was re-elected for a second term, according to official results.
But the opposition parties have rejected the results and refused to accept the outcome of the presidential election.
International observers also noted “statistical inconsistencies” and condemned a “lack of transparency” in the ballot count following the vote.
The opposition parties have refused to participate in local or national government, with all but one MP boycotting parliament.
It is important to note that Niger’s President Mohamed Bazoum was ousted in a military coup and General Abdourahmane Tchiani, also known as Omar Tchiani, took over the affairs of the country.
But the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) led by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has given seven day ultimatum to coup leaders to reinstate Bazoum.
While foreign nations like the United States and France have thrown their weight behind the ECOWAS, Mali and Burkina Faso pledged their support to the military junta in Niger Republic
