Freetown-(Sierra Leone) The recent assault on a military barracks in the capital Freetown on November 26, 2023, has left Sierra Leoneans on edge, with a mixture of fear, uncertainty, and resilience evident in their reactions.
While the immediate threat of violence has subsided, the lingering effects of the upheaval are palpable.
However, the city has been slowly regaining its rhythm. Cars have cautiously ventured back onto the streets. The silence that had enveloped the city was replaced by the familiar sounds of life returning to normal.
Despite the lingering fear, there is also an undercurrent of resilience among Sierra Leoneans. The country has a long history of conflicts and military coups, and its citizens have demonstrated remarkable strength and determination in the face of adversity.
“We are not afraid,” declared one resident, Isatu Koroma. “We have been through this before, and we will overcome it again.”
Another resident, Fatmata Sesay, echoed this sentiment: “We will not let this attack divide us. We are united in our desire for peace and stability.”
The attack, which also led to a security breach at the Freetown prison, where an undisclosed number of inmates escaped, has reignited calls for greater transparency and accountability from the government. Many citizens expressed frustration with the lack of information and transparency surrounding the events of November 26th.
“We deserve to know the truth,” said Mohamed Conteh. “We need to understand what happened and why, so that we can prevent it from happening again.”
The mood in Sierra Leone is undoubtedly tense, but there is also a glimmer of hope. The country’s citizens have shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, and there is a growing demand for change.
In a statement following the attacks on the barracks President Julius Maada Bio described the incident as an “attack on democracy.” The attack sparked fears of potential military coup attempt.
The government has revised the indefinite curfew, saying it would now run from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. daily local time, starting Monday.
The road ahead for Sierra Leone will not be easy, but the country’s citizens have a long history of overcoming challenges. With their resilience and determination, they can build a brighter future for themselves and their generations to come.
ABJ/APA