Ongoing patrol in Freetown following protest

Sierra Leone’s capital Freetown is being patrolled by Police officers and army troops after a demonstration organized by women to draw attention to inflation and the rising cost of living descended into clashes between security forces and young men demanding President Julius Maada Bio resignation.

Army officers used megaphones to appeal for calm. They also told residents that it was safe to resume their daily routines.
The spokesperson for Sierra Leone’s defence ministry Colonel Abu Bakarr Sidique Bah, called the activity an assurance patrol, in order to assure the public of security and peace.

At least 10 people including security personnel were killed during clashes between the protestors and security forces.
On Friday, President Julius Maada Bio blamed the violence on the opposition whom he accused of plotting an insurrection.