Sierra Leone violence condemned as curfew imposed

The violence that broke out in several areas of Sierra Leone on Wednesday has been denounced by the leaders of the West African regional body Ecowas.

Residents of Sierra Leone have been protesting the country's high living expenses, corruption, and brutality by the police.

Julius Maada Bio, the president, is being called upon to resign.

On the third day of violent protests that have occurred in the capital, Freetown, as well as several other cities, some protestors and police officers were slain.

A national curfew was imposed by the authorities on Wednesday.

In a statement released in Abuja, Ecowas urged everyone to uphold the law and order while also calling for the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for the violence.

On Wednesday, protesters shut up the main entrance to the nation's Lungi airport and engaged in violence with law enforcement.

Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh is in charge while President Bio and his family are presently abroad.

On Wednesday, the vice president made a brief state broadcast to impose the curfew.

He said that security officers had been given permission to deal with lawbreakers and accused the demonstrators of damaging and torching public buildings.

A new president will be chosen in Sierra Leone at the elections scheduled for next year. According to the demonstrators, President Bio shouldn't run for reelection.