Protests were at times violent. Graphic images and videos of protesters and some members of the security forces being beaten or seriously injured may appear on social media. Security forces were also seen firing at civilians.
CNN confirmed that the video was filmed in Sierra Leone at various times on Wednesday.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh declared a nationwide curfew starting Wednesday at 3:00 pm local time (11:00 am ET), while President Julius Maada Bio is out of the country.
CNN has yet to confirm the number of people injured or killed during the protests. In a televised speech announcing the curfew, Dzharo referred to protesters and the loss of life without elaborating.
“These unscrupulous people have embarked on violent and unauthorized protests that have claimed the lives of innocent Sierra Leoneans, including security personnel,” the vice president said.
“Not the right way”
Freetown entrepreneur Morris Mara told CNN that the protests began days ago.
“Since August 8, a group of fledglings have been gathering, but today it escalated and got worse. More people joined, there were clashes with the police, there was violence on both sides. Some people did, but I don’t “know the numbers,” Mara told CNN in a call from Freetown.
“The economic situation in the country is very bad. The government says it is due to the crisis of Ukraine and the coronavirus, but to this day the youth unemployment rate is very high. There are many,” he continued. “Recently there has been a big spike in fuel prices, products and commodities. The president says nothing can be fixed anytime soon, but as an entrepreneur it was difficult before the Ukraine and coronavirus crisis.”
“This protest is not supported by everyone in the country. No matter how difficult the situation is, this is not the right way to go,” Mara added.
“The protests started this morning but have been going on since last week,” said one witness, who requested anonymity for fear of government retaliation.
“People are protesting about inflation, hyperinflation, the cost of living. The police have been too aggressive in handling the issue, to the point where people’s backs are up against the wall,” he added.
Internet monitor NetBlocks previously reported a nationwide disruption of Internet service from multiple providers in the country.
“Confirmation: Real-time network data shows #SierraLeone is in the midst of a near-total internet shutdown amid anti-government protests in #Freetown. 5% of the level,” NetBlocks said in a tweet.
CNN’s Arnaud Siad also contributed to this report.
Source: www.cnn.com
