Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Musa Timothy Kabba, on Thursday, November 30, briefed the Diplomatic community on the botched coup attempt staged by gunmen in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 26. The Foreign Minister described the insurrection as an unfortunate situation at a time when the Government of His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio was implementing recommendations from the recent peace dialogue. He said that the attack on the armoury and the staging of a coup against the state sought to undermine the democratic gains that the country has made over the last twenty years. He commended the timely response of state security forces, who quelled the situation, and disclosed that arrests were being made, including ring leaders identified as closely associated with former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
The Foreign Minister said that the jailbreak on that day saw over 1,800 inmates escape from prison, including those serving life sentences. He said that some lives were lost, including serving state security officers, and thanked the diplomatic community for their timely condemnation of the insurrection and solidarity messages through their various press releases. He assured that the government was doing everything possible to pursue and prosecute anyone found wanting.
The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Nigerian High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, His Excellency Henry John Omaku, on behalf of his colleague diplomats, commended the government for professionally responding to the threat with few casualties. He said it was a good move by the Sierra Leone Government to give them clear first-hand information through the Foreign Affairs Ministry, which they would use to adequately inform their nations back home. His Excellency Omaku assured the Minister and the Government of Sierra Leone that the Nigerian government and the Economic Community of West African States stood ready to provide regional military support, should there be a need, as the Diplomatic Community frowned on the unconstitutional removal of a legitimate government.
European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Manuel Muller, condemned the failed coup expressed a solidarity message on behalf of the Union, and called on the government to continue the dialogue with the main opposition and the implementation of the Peace and National Cohesion outcome.
