Following last week’s violent protests over the high cost of necessities and alleged human rights violations, normal life is gradually returning to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone. Last week Wednesday saw an increase in violence during a sit-at-home protest that began on Monday and disrupted normal activities.
According to witnesses, police shot live rounds to put an end to the protests. During the fighting, at least five police officers and twenty civilians were killed. All the bodies have already been placed in Freetown’s main hospital mortuary.
Current Situation
Following the conflicts, a dusk-to-dawn curfew was implemented in some areas of the nation, although it was eventually removed on Saturday. Now that peace has returned, companies are starting to cautiously reopen, but some business owners are still concerned that protests might start up again.
President Julius Maada Bio addressed the nation on Friday, accusing the demonstrators of trying to topple his government. While offering his sympathies to the families of the deceased citizens, he said that those accountable for the deaths of police officers would face punishment.
What you should know
- Residents of Freetown Sierra Leone started a week-long protest triggered by the rising cost of living and housing.
- The President unexpectedly replaced some of the nation’s military leaders while resigning others.
Anti-government protests are the legal rights of citizens to express their anger to the government against a concerning issue or a recurring event.