By Kemo Cham
The Sierra Leone government on Wednesday conducted interfaith services for security officers who died during the alleged attempted failed coup late last month.
Some 21 people were reportedly killed in the incident on November 26, which the authorities has since said had been planned by unidentified people with the goal of forcefully overthrowing the democratically elected government of President Julius Maada Bio.
Eighteen of the dead were security forces, comprising 15 soldiers, three police officers and one correctional officer. The remains of all of the fallen men were lined up under a shed in the courtyard of the Kockril Barracks, the headquarters of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, where family members and state officials paid their last respect to them.
Muslim and Christian leaders took turn to pray for the deceased.
President Bio graced the occasion and in a statement he vowed to ensure that all those involved in the attack face the full force of the law, as a show of honor for the deceased.
“The death of our comrades and your continued service and loyalty to Sierra Leone will not be in vain,” the president said, stressing that anyone who has a “cowardly hand” in this event of November 26 will not escape the law.
“We will pursue justice for each one of them with relentless determination,” he said, noting anyone found wanting will be prosecuted, irrespective of their position and no matter their rank in society.
Families of the deceased were in attendance at the event that was also attended by senior government officials, including Chief Minister Dr David Moinina Sengeh.
Both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector General of Police gave statements in which they praised the gallantry of the men who they said sacrificed their lives in defense of their nation.
All 18 officers were given posthumous promotions in ranks.
“They died for a worthy cause. They died in defence of the country,” said CDS Lt. General Peter K. Lavahun.
He added: “The attack not only targeted RLASF, but it also stroke the heart of the nation. Therefore, as our defenders, they deserve recognition.”
IGP William Fayia Sellu said the men exhibited passionate sacrifices which made their loss for everyone, not just their family members.
“At a time like this, we need to pray for their souls. All is not lost,” he said.
According to officials, some of the deceased security officers would be buried in the war grave, while others will be buried at the places of choice of their families.
