Sierra Leone confusion

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32564, 25 March 1971, Page 11

Sierra Leone confusion

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter—Copyright) FREETOWN (Sierra Leone), March 25.

The whereabouts of the Sierra Leone President, Mr Siaka Stevens, remained a mystery today amid confused reports of an attempt to assassinate him, and of an Army coup in Freetown.

There has been no word from the President since fighting broke out yesterday around his residence where he was meeting Cabinet Ministers. Usually reliable sources earlier reported, however, that he was in protective custody. Two soldiers who tried to enter the residence were shot dead by guards, several of whom were wounded in a gun battle with alleged military plotters. The situation was cpnfused further late last night when a senior Army officer disputed a statement by the Army Chief, Brigadier John Banguram, that he had taken control of the situation. Lieutenant-Colonel Sam King said in a Radio Sierra Leone broadcast that most of the armed forces dis-

associated themselves from the brigadier’s announcement and regarded the present Government as legally constituted.

(Reports reaching London said that spasmodic shooting lasted through the day in Freetown and there were rumours that an attempted Army coup had been initially successful but was later put down by loyal military factions.)

In neighbouring Guinea the Armed Forces were put on general alert because of the events inside Sierra Leone and there Were reports of Guinea helicopters flying over Freetown.

President Stevens recently returned from a Guinea visit, described by observers as one of possible military significance. Another report said two unidentified jets swooped low over Freetown yesterday afternoon.

Unconfirmed reports circulated around the tense capital yesterday that the President had disappeared and the Governor-General, Sir Banja Tejan-Sie was under house arrest.