20 Dec 2023 | 06:14 PM UTC
Sierra Leone: Officials lift nationwide curfew as of Dec. 20 /update 7
Government authorities lift nationwide curfew in Sierra Leone as of Dec. 20. Heightened security likely to persist in Freetown.
Government authorities lifted the nationwide curfew as of Dec. 20. The measure began following the failed coup attempt in Freetown on Nov. 26. Officials continue to urge the general public to maintain vigilance over the coming days.
Officials will likely maintain a heightened security presence in Freetown in the coming days. Officials could enact tight security measures without warning if insecurity occurs. Heed the instructions of local authorities.
Continue to exercise awareness if operating in Sierra Leone, particularly in Freetown. Avoid government buildings, security installations, and large concentrations of police and soldiers. Strictly heed the instructions of local authorities, including any official transport and security advisories. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations or host organizations.
On Nov. 26, armed assailants targeted military barracks and overran several detention facilities, releasing inmates. The exact number of fugitives has not been provided; reports suggest about 2,000 inmates escaped. Search operations will likely continue until all escaped inmates are captured. At least 80 people, including 50 soldiers and former President Ernest Bai Koroma, have been arrested since the failed coup. Koroma remains under house arrest. The Nov. 26 clashes left at least 21 individuals dead.
