The United States government has condemned the military breach and unrest in the West African country of Sierra Leone, while pledging its support for democracy and peace.
The US Embassy in Sierra Leone made the statement in a tweet on Sunday while expressing strong disapproval of the jailbreak as it called for cooperation with government security forces.
The United States said it affirmed its support for “a peaceful, democratic, and prosperous Sierra Leone.”
SaharaReporters 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.
SaharaReporters 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.
It had also been reported that 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 had said it is committed to “supporting the government and people of Sierra Leone to deepen democracy and good governance, consolidate peace and security.”
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.
