By Politico Staff Writer
The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) in collaboration with the leadership of the Security Sector summoned a stakeholders meeting with all registered political parties and updated them on the progress of the November 26th failed coup investigations.
The meeting was held at the Conference Room of the Office of National Security (ONS), Tower Hill in Freetown on the 8th of January 2024.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of PPRC Abdulai Masianbay Bangura thanked the Security Sector actors for the professional manner in which they responded to the attack on the security of the state. He underscored the fact that they were able to ward off the attackers without any civilian casualties.
He commended all registered political parties for their condemnation of the attempted coup.
The National Security Coordinator (NS Coord) at ONS, Abdulai Caulker gave a general update on the investigations and encouraged Political Parties to continue their condemnation of the failed coup. He urged Political Parties to admonish their supporters not to do anything that will prejudice the ongoing investigations while the matter is now in court.
He also informed the gathering about the deaths of Eighteen (18) serving personnel during the failed coup.
The Chief Minister (CM), Dr. David Moinina Sengeh in his statement, assured the gathering of their security and that the Tripartite Dialogue is ongoing and will continue.
The Inspector- General of Police (IGP), William Fayia Sellu gave statistics of the people being investigated and those that have been charged to court. He said that a total of 13 civilians have been arraigned in civil court and 27 military personnel before a Court Martial.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant-General Peter K. Lavahun also gave details of the number of military personnel that have been investigated and arraigned before the Court Martial.
The Deputy National Leader of the All Peoples Congress (APC) party, Chernor Maju Bah in his contribution, condemned what he described as the dastardly act of the November 26th failed coup. He emphasized that his party has nothing to do with what happened on that night and even though their former Leader and Chairman, Former President Ernest Bai Koroma is one of those charged, it is not the APC that is on trial.
He also stated that the leadership of the party has been making efforts to meet with President Julius Maada Bio to reiterate their condemnation of the failed coup and extended his party’s sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the slain 18 serving personnel.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (10/01/24)
