Weekend attacks in Sierra Leone ‘attempted coup’: Official

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Deadly attacks on government institutions in Sierra Leone's capital of Freetown was an attempted coup to remove the government, an official said Tuesday.

“The incident was a failed attempted coup. The intention was to illegally subvert and overthrow a democratically elected government,” said Information Minister Chernoh Bah.

“The attempt failed, and plenty of the leaders are either in police custody or on the run,” he said.

Violence broke out Sunday between security forces and unknown assailants who tried to break into a military armory.

The assailants attacked military barracks and prisons, freeing 2,000 inmates, according to authorities.

The clashes left 19 people dead, including security personnel, and a civilian.

Sierra Leone police published photos and the identities of 34 men and women Tuesday, comprising of those serving and retired soldiers, police officers and civilians on a wanted list following the incident.

Bah said a manhunt has been launched to capture suspects for prosecution.