Sierra Leone in shock after anti-government cost of living protests turn deadly – The North Africa Post

Dozens died in anti-government protests in Sierra Leone’s capital of Freetown and two other towns on Wednesday, August 10 as shocked citizens sought safety behind closed doors.

According to officials in Sierra Leone 21 civilians and six officers were killed in clashes erupted during anti-government protests. Freetown witnessed hundreds of protestors taking to the streets, frustrated at economic hardship and perceived failures by the government in reducing the impact of rising costs.

The protests were a way to express anger over the soaring cost of living under President Julius Maada Bio’s government that has gone up more than 40% within a few months. The protestors reportedly barricaded streets and hurled stones at officers, leading to a confrontation that ended in the deaths.

Sierra Leone’s unrest is unusual, especially in Freetown. In recent years, there have been isolated protests in other places that resulted in the deaths of a few. President Maada Bio said the circumstances surrounding Wednesday’s events would be “fully investigated”.

Residents said that Freetown was experiencing a strange calm on Thursday. Shops were closed and people stayed inside out of fear. Police stated that a curfew will remain in place from 7pm to 7am local on Thursday, after the government had imposed a 3pm curfew Wednesday to try to stop violence.