The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday condemned the failed coup plot in Sierra Leone.
The regional body in a statement in Abuja called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the coup plotters, insisting that the bloc was disgusted by the attempt to “disturb the peace and constitutional order” of the West African nation.
The ECOWAS statement reads in part:
“The bloc has learnt, with utter disgust, a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone
“ECOWAS condemns this act and calls for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the illegality
“The bloc has always maintained its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government and the people of Sierra Leone’s quest to deepen democracy and good governance by consolidating peace and security so as to foster socio-economic development.”
Earlier, Sierra Leonean President, Julius Bio had imposed a 24-hour nationwide curfew urging citizens to remain indoors after a group of yet to be identified soldiers breeched the country’s main military armory in the Capital, Freetown.
President Bio in an early morning emergency nationwide broadcast had alerted the nation on the attempted coup.
“Some unidentified individuals attacked the military armoury. However, they were repelled by our gallant security forces and calm has been restored.
“As the combined team of our security forces continues to route out the remnant of the fleeing renegades, a nationwide curfew has been declared and citizens are encouraged to stay indoors,” the President announced.
Later on the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, reiterated the curfew in a statement published on the government website.
“In the early hours of Sunday, some unidentified individuals attempted to break into the military armoury at the Wilberforce barracks. They have been rebuffed
“A nationwide curfew has been declared with immediate effect. We strongly advise citizens to stay indoors,” the statement read.