Political situation in Sierra Leone

Almost 2,000 prisoners at large after the attacks  

 

Twenty people were killed during Sunday's attacks in Sierra Leone's capital Freetown, the country's military told Reuters. According to the military, the majority of those killed were soldiers, but a civilian and a police officer are also among the victims. 

 

Among other things, the attackers targeted the city's prisons, which led to almost 2,000 prisoners being on the run. 

 

It is still unclear who the attackers are and what their motives may have been. President Julius Maada Bio said in a speech on Sunday that most of the ringleaders behind the attacks have been arrested. And according to Colonel Issa Bangura, there are members of the military who "are not loyal to the government or the president", writes AFP.  

 

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25-year-old Mariama: "Many are afraid - we want peace"  

 

Life is slowly returning to normal in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, after Sunday's attacks, writes AFP.  

 

The government has partially lifted the curfew imposed after armed attackers stormed a military weapons depot and several prisons. However, the schools and some shops remain closed.  

 

25-year-old Mariama Kamara has gone out into town to look for open shops where she can buy food for her family. 

 

- I expect the government to protect us. We want peace, but many people are afraid to return to their everyday lives, she says.