Sierra Leone imposes nationwide curfew amid deadly anti-government protests
- At least 2 police officers and 1 civilian are dead after a day of demonstrations in the capital, Freetown
- Discontent has been boiling over as the West African country struggles with rising inflation and a fuel crisis
At least two police officers and one civilian died after a day of anti-government protests in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, staff at the city’s main mortuary said on Wednesday.
Sierra Leone’s government previously said there had been deaths, but did not say how many, as protesters threw rocks and burned tyres in the streets out of frustration at worsening economic hardship and other issues.
The West African country, which has been struggling with rising inflation and a fuel crisis, imposed a nationwide curfew from 3pm local time in a bid to stem the violence.
“As a government, we have the responsibility to protect every citizen of Sierra Leone. What happened today was unfortunate and will be fully investigated,” said President Julius Maada Bio on Twitter.
In addition to the three bodies at the mortuary, a Reuters reporter saw another civilian body on a street in eastern Freetown.