In a press release dated 16th January 2024 and signed by defence spokesperson Colonel Issa Bangura, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Armed Forces (RSLAF) and the Ministry of Defence said information making rounds on social media that some senior and junior military officers are planning to attack or protest on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th January 2024 is false and misleading.
“The attention of the Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (MoD/RSLAF) is drawn to a social media post of some audios and videos in circulation claiming that, some senior and junior military officers are planning to attack or protest on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th January 2024.
The MoD/RSLAF views this act as a deliberate plan to misinform the public and instill fear in the minds of citizens. It is also a mere propaganda that deliberately tried to tannish the good image and credibility of the RSLAF. The MoD/RSLAF therefore, condemns such act in its strongest terms and warns social media bloggers and other platforms to desist from acts of inciting Soldiers, creating panic and misinforming the public in the interest of National Security,” the press release stated.
The country’s defence sector emphasized that it remains professional, law-abiding and will continue to uphold its constitutional responsibilities towards the state, reiterating its willingness, readiness and commitment to defend the people of Sierra Leone at all times. “Hence, such publication is misleading and a complete plan to distract the RSLAF,” the press release noted.
Also, the release confirmed that social media posts indicating that the RSLAF Presidential Guards and the OSDs have volunteered for a cleaning exercise, especially around the Central Business District (CBD) on Wednesday 17th January 2024 is ‘fake and misleading’.
In view of this, the public is hereby advised to remain calm and carry on with their normal business.
Copyright – Expo Times News on Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)