By; Amara Thoronka
In a press statement, dated Monday, 27th November, 2023,and signed by chairperson Patricia NarsuNdanema, the Human Right Commission Sierra Leone (HRCSL) applauded President Bio for assuring that due process would be followed in arresting, investigating and prosecuting persons suspected to be responsible for November 26th incident where the armoury at Wilberforce Barracks, the military headquarters at Cockeril and some prisons and police stations were attacked, causing heavy gunfire, deaths and escape of prisoners. The national human rights agency called for the investigation and prosecution of those suspected to be culpable in line with due process.
“The Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL)strongly condemns the actions of all those who were involved in undermining the security of the state and by extension the enjoyment of human rights.The Commission acknowledges the bravery and patriotism displayed by those compatriots in the security sector who resisted and thwarted the plans of enemies of the State. We strongly urge government to bring all perpetrators to book.The Commission notes with delight the President’s commitment to due process in the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of yesterday’s incident as expressed in his Presidential Address of 26th November 2023,” HRCSL said in a press statement.
HRCSLcondemned the incident, noting that they are “gravely concerned” as“such ugly incidents hugely undermine the security of the state and the general enjoyment of human rights”.
The Commission however reminds Government that the security and welfare of citizens is the responsibility of the State pursuant to Section 5 (2)(b) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone of 1991. The said constitutional provision stated that; ‘The security, peace and welfare of the people of Sierra Leone shall be the primary purpose and responsibility of Government, and to this end it shall be the duty of the Armed Forces, the Police, Public Officers and all security agents to protect and safeguard the people of Sierra Leone”.
In that light, HRCSL therefore called on Government to take every step, necessary and legal, to protect innocent citizens and residents and to always take proactive steps aimed at averting such ugly incidents.
“We also call on all citizens and residents to be law-abiding and cooperate with the Security Forces by rendering appropriate assistance to law enforcement agencies to restore calm and maintain law and order pursuant to Section 13(a) & (j) of the Constitution o Sierra Leone 1991,” the Commission encouraged.
The HRCSL concluded by expressing condolences to the families of all those patriotic security personnel who lost their lives in the incident while on duty.
Copy right –Printed in the Expo Times News on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)