ECOWAS Condemns Ongoing Unrest In Sierra Leone, Calls On Government, Citizens To Deepen Democracy
Adedokun Waliyu 
The regional bloc said it is committed to “supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone to deepen democracy and good governance, consolidate peace and security.”
The Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS) has condemned the ongoing unrest in Sierra Leone, a member of the regional community.
The regional bloc said it is committed to “supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone to deepen democracy and good governance, consolidate peace and security.”
It had been earlier reported that the Pademba Road Prison authorities in Freetown, Sierra Leone, confirmed that the Central Prison was breached and the inmates set free.
The Sierra Leonean government had also in an update by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, earlier imposed a nationwide curfew, saying some individuals had been identified and arrested.
It was also reported that the government of Sierra Leone on Sunday morning confirmed that some “unidentified individuals” attempted to break into the country’s armoury and had all been arrested.
Freetown Central Prison, commonly known as Pademba Road Prison, is a prison facility on Pademba Road in Freetown.
ECOWAS in a statement dated Sunday, November 26, 2023, said it “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 all participants in this illegal act.”
The West African bloc reiterated its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government.
“ECOWAS further underscores its commitment to supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone to deepen democracy and good governance, consolidate peace and security as well as foster socio-economic development,” the statement said.
Freetown Central Prison, commonly known as Pademba Road Prison, is a prison facility on Pademba Road in Freetown.
The prison was built to house 220 prisoners in the pre-independence era and now holds around 2000 prisoners.
A Sierra Leone journalist, Umaru Fofana, who posted the jailbreak, added that there was heavy gunfire in Freetown and the sounds came from the main military barracks.
He said, “Heavy gunfire in the #SierraLeone capital, Freetown. The sounds appear to be coming from the main military barracks at Wilberforce, close to the president’s lodge. Details are sketchy but a senior military source says there has been a breakage into the armory at Wilberforce.”
