This archive report was first published on 8 May 2020.
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has taken drastic measures to address the country's escalating security concerns, sacking his Internal Affairs Minister, Edward Soloku, after two weeks of bloody unrests.
According to a statement from the presidency, Soloku will be replaced by David Panda-Noah, who was previously in charge of the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA).
The new appointee will require parliamentary approval to assume his new role, which comes with significant responsibilities, including overseeing the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), which has been overwhelmed by recent events.
The unrests, which have resulted in over a dozen deaths, began with a deadly riot at the maximum security prison at Pademba Road in Freetown on April 30, followed by a series of protests and riots in other parts of the country.
One of the key triggers for the unrests was the government's decision to cancel the operating license of a major US mining company, which led to the loss of jobs and livelihoods for many people.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, President Bio has scheduled a meeting with representatives of the diplomatic community to discuss the security situation in the country.
