By Foday Moriba Conteh
According to an informant in Guinea, the plot to overthrow the Government of Sierra Leone began in July 2023. The source revealed that a military officer known by the name of Fofanah initiated the discussion with a Joint Presidential Guard Force Personnel at State House, 18181542 Sgt. Mboma-Kamara J.A. related to a plan to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone, headed by President Julius Maada Bio at Murray Town junction, West End of Freetown.
Upon their meeting at Murray Town junction, Fofanah intimated the Presidential Guard 18181542 Sgt. Mboma-Kamara J.A. that he will be very instrumental in a plan that they have in the pipeline to effect change in the country and promised to give him details.
According to our informant, 18181542 Sgt. Mboma-Kamara J.A. told Fofanah to do so through phone conversation, but the latter insisted that it is preferable that the two of them should meet and not discuss on the phone.
However, on the 31st of July 2023, Police confirmed the arrest of some Police and military personnel in relation to the alleged subversion and attempted coup d’etre, and in the first week of August 2023 it then ascertained and disclosed the names of those that have been arrested and those on the run.
Even at this time of going to Press, Police are still arresting Police, military personnel, and even some civilians in places believed to be where meetings were held related to unleashing the plan, but the names of those so far arrested have not been published or made known by the police.
Our source said, according to what he was told, three days later, there was news making the rounds on social media that the Sierra Leone Police had apprehended numerous individuals, including senior military figures, suspected of orchestrating a plan to overthrow the government of Sierra Leone head by President Julius Maada Bio.
Fearing arrest after learning about the police crackdown on the coup plotters, Joint Presidential Guard Force Personnel at State House,18181542 Sgt. Mboma-Kamara J.A. decided to leave or pull out of the country, knowing that he would definitely roped in or arrest for questioning. He wisely decided to the country and ensure the safety of his immediate family members by relocating them to an unknown or unidentified location.
Former Chief Superintendent of the Sierra Leone Police, Mohamed Yetay Turay, commonly known as Yetay Yetay, was initially detained in neighbouring Liberia, related to the alleged coup d’etre, following a tip-off. He was arrested in the first week of August and after negotiations between the Government of Sierra Leone and Liberia for his extradition he was finally brought to Freetown in Sierra Leone and he is currently under Police custody pending investigation.
However, sceptics argue that this arrest may be a ploy by President Julius Maada Bio to suppress opposition voices, particularly from the All Peoples Congress (APC) Party. Contrary to such a claim, the source from Guinea, however, affirmed that the planned coup was indeed real, possibly drawing inspiration from recent coups in the West African sub-region. On August 15th, 2023, the Sierra Leone Police declared certain military and Police officers, including Police Constable 15333, David Jonathan Samura, and Sub Inspector Soriba Sesay, as wanted in connection with felony and subversion offences.
The alleged coup plan was designed to exploit scheduled peaceful protests as a cover for unleashing violent attacks against state institutions. This revelation came against the backdrop of economic and political protests that erupted on August 10, 2022, resulting in deadly clashes and numerous casualties. Amnesty International criticised the excessive use of force during these incidents and condemned the imposition of Internet restrictions. It must be noted that in the aftermath of the general elections held on June 24th, 2023, which saw President Julius Maada Bio securing a second term, the opposition disputed the results, citing “statistical inconsistencies” In response, the opposition has chosen to abstain from participating in governance issues, with most Members of Parliament boycotting parliamentary sessions.
The detained suspects, including high-ranking military personnel, that are now in police custody add a new layer of complexity of Sierra Leone’s political landscape.
