09 May 2018 | 02:26 AM UTC
Sierra Leone: Presidential inauguration in Freetown May 12
Inauguration of president-elect Julius Maada Bio to take place May 12 in Freetown; heightened security and large crowds expected
Event
President-elect Julius Maada Bio will be inaugurated on Saturday, May 12, at the Siaka Stevens Stadium in the capital Freetown. Large crowds and a consequent heightened security presence, road closures, and traffic disruptions are expected.
Context
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced on April 4 that Julius Maada Bio of the opposition Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) won the March 31 presidential run-off election. Bio received 51.8 percent of the votes cast, while Samura Kamara of the ruling All People's Congress (APC) secured 48.1 percent.
The first round of the election was held on March 7 with no candidate securing an outright majority; Bio received the most votes (43.3 percent). Violence between rival political parties broke out in the lead up to the second round. According to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists, was also an increase in recorded instances of tribalism and hate speech.
Advice
Individuals present in Sierra Leone are advised to monitor local news, avoid any large crowds due to the risk of associated violence, and obey all instruction issued by the local authorities. Those intending to travel to or within Freetown should anticipate disruptions to travel.
