Sierra Leone crisis GUINEAN TROOPS GUARD STEVENS

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32568, 30 March 1971, Page 17

Sierra Leone crisis GUINEAN TROOPS GUARD STEVENS

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter —Copyright) FREETOWN (Sierra Leone), March 29. Guinean troops guarded the Prime Minister of Sierra Leone (Dr Stevens) today as Parliament was called into a crisis session after last week’s abortive Army coup.

The Guineans had crossed the border into the Commonwealth State in West Africa yesterday to help local forces to prevent a further coup bid by dissatisfied Army leaders. They formed a tight cordon around the residence of Dr Stevens, who has survived two assassination attempts.

Parliament has been summoned for Wednesday to discuss the explosive situation in the country. Dr Stevens, who called for help from neighbouring Guinea, said that the armies of the two countries had become one to prevent troublemakers from bringing down the Government in Freetown; that he had asked President Toure for troops to help to strengthen loyal Sierra Leone Army men and restore law and order. “I would die in defence of my rights before seeing angry troublemakers take over the legitimate Government by force, and impose people who have no mandate from the people to rule this country,” Dr Stevens declared. “There are dangerous elements in the Sierra Leone

Army, and while they remain there could be no peace in the country.”

Earlier it wa' learned here that the Army Chief of Staff (Brigadier John Bangura) and six other senior officers had been arrested.

Brigadier Bangura was previously reported under close arrest, but the latest information is that he is being held in a central prison in Freetown.

Brigadier Bangura led the 1968 coup that brought Dr Stevens back to power after military leaders had prevented him from taking office.