SIERRA LEONE-POLITICS: No Easy Walk to Power

By Lansana Fofana Reprint | | Print |

Lansana Fofana

FREETOWN, May 28 1997 (IPS) - Sierra Leoneans Wednesday stayed in doors as armed soldiers patrolled the capital city’s streets to enforce a ban on demonstrations against the new military government.

The new military ruler, Major Johnny Paul Koroma, Tuesday evening announced a ban on demonstrations in the face of mounting domestic, regional and international pressure against Sunday’s coup, which coincided with the 34th birthday of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

He also announced the suspension of the country’s constitution and a ban on the activities of political parties.

Nationwide protests started in the country on Tuesday and more had been scheduled for Wednesday as citizens mount a civil defiance campaign against the ouster of civilian President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah.

The new military government warned that it would “discipline” anyone who defies the ban on demonstrations.

Three days after seizing power, the 37-year-old Koroma, has yet to announce the names of members of his Armed Forces Revolutionary Council (AFRC), who will form the new government.

Surrounded only by his military followers, Major Koroma is becoming increasingly isolated by civilians at home. Civil servants have refused to return to work, although the new rulers have repeatedly issued calls on the state-owned radio and television for them to return to their posts.

“There is no way we can accept this criminal as our new leader. We will fight with sticks, stones, and bare hands to ensure that these hooligans are phased out,” a member of the civil defiance campaign, who asked not to named, told IPS.

Even top civil servants have distanced themselves from the new military government. Major Koroma Tuesday summoned all permanent secretaries of government ministries to his army headquarters to run the affairs of government, but no one turned up.

While no demonstrations took place in the capital Wednesday, residents could be seen stocking up on emergency supplies in fear of an attack by members of the West African Peacekeeping Force (ECOMOG).

“I have bought rice, some oil, charcoal and bread in case the ECOMOG forces launch an attack to remove the coup leaders,” Zeinad Turay, a housewife here said.

A United States naval vessel reportedly carrying about 1200 marines has appeared in Sierra Leone’s coastal waters and two Nigerian ships arrived in Freetown Monday evening.

Ousted President Kabbah has urged West African leaders to help restore him to power. Nigerian and Ghanaian soldiers of ECOMOG are stationed at Sierra Leone’s international airport to defend it from rebel attacks.

Speaking on the state-owned radio Tuesday night, Major Koroma outlined some of his plans for the future. “From today, we will be gradually moving towards an acceptable democracy. In a short time, we will announce the names of members of government and our AFRC timetable for fresh elections,” he said.

Realising that his coup has no support, the new leader, who was sprung from jail Sunday along with a dozen other soldiers, tried to drum up support for his new government by pointing out the ills of President Kabbah’s regime. Koroma, who was arrested in January for being involved in an earlier coup attempt, was on trial for treason.

He accused the former government of abandoning the welfare of teachers who often went for three months without pay, and promised to reverse this.

Major Koroma also took Kabbah’s government to task for the new Press Bill which was before Parliament. Although the Bill was unpopular with the media, journalists have unanimously opposed the coup.

Major Koroma, feeling the pinch of calls for the soldiers to return to the barracks, Wednesday hinted in an interview with the foreign media that he cannot pull out now. “The people might think I did this for myself and family. Just wait and see what we will do in the interest of the nation,” he said.