The protests were a result of the high level of poverty due to the economic downturn in the country.
The government of Sierra Leone has imposed a nationwide curfew starting from 3 pm daily over the increasing protests against President Julius Maada Bio's government.
There have been intense anti-government protests in the country as Sierra Leoneans demand the president's resignation.
Media reports stated that at least two police officers and a civilian have been killed after the protest turned into clashes between security forces and the protesters.
Following the intensifying protest, the Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh on Wednesday announced the imposition of a curfew across the nation.
Describing the protests as an attempt to overthrow a democratic government, Jalloh in a video seen by SaharaReporters said, “Fellow citizens, you recall that for the last several weeks, some self-serving Sierra Leoneans have intensified the call for violence and forceful overthrow of the legitimate government of President Julius Maada Bio.
“Government has unrestrained, in an effort to uphold the fundamental rights of citizens. However, these unscrupulous individuals have embarked on a violent and unauthorized protest which has led to the loss of lives of innocent Sierra Leoneans including security personnel.
“It is also important that public billings including police stations have been attacked and burnt down in various parts of the country. Therefore, the government wishes it to be known that as a country of law and order, these violations are unacceptable and all their forms.
“Consequently, the government hereby declares a nationwide curfew with effect from today, Wednesday 10th August, 2022, commencing at 3 pm The government reaffirms commitment to maintain law and order including protecting the fundamental rights of the general public. The security sector has been authorized to fully enforce these directives.”
TRT World reports that the protests were a result of the high level of poverty due to the economic downturn in the country.
The majority of the people in the country are said to live in poverty as the country is one of the poorest nations in the world. It ranks 182 out of 189 countries in the United Nations Human Development Index, which is a benchmark used to measure a nation's prosperity.