Normal life returning to Sierra Leone after violence

Following last week's violent protests over the high cost of necessities and alleged human rights violations, normal life is gradually returning to Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone.

A sit-at-home strike that began on Monday and brought about a standstill in some regions of the nation turned violent on Wednesday.

According to witnesses, police shot live rounds to put an end to the protests.

During the fighting, at least five police officers and twenty civilians were killed. All bodies have already been placed in Freetown's main hospital mortuary.

Following the conflicts, a dusk-to-dawn curfew was implemented in some areas of the nation, although it was eventually removed on Saturday.

Now that peace has returned, companies are starting to cautiously reopen, but some business owners are still concerned that protests might start up again.

President Julius Maada Bio addressed the nation on Friday, accusing the demonstrators of trying to topple his government.

While offering his sympathies to the families of the deceased citizens, he said that those accountable for the deaths of police officers would face punishment.

Mr. Bio unexpectedly replaced some of the nation's military leaders while resigning others.