The Sierra Leone Police deployed additional personnel to strategic locations across Freetown. The central business district of Freetown looked like public holiday, as only few businesses ventured to trade. Many shops were closed and streets deserted. No protesters could be seen on the streets, but there was stay at home protest, which could be largely described as effective. Even though assurances were given by the Office of National Security (ONS), the police and public officials, many businesses could not venture to open their shops for fear of being looted by hooligans, who normally use the slightest opportunity to steal.
Alimamy Turay, a businessman in central Freetown, said that he did not open his shop because he did not want to take risk, because he can’t preempt what will happen in the course of doing his business. He said they have lost a lot of money, as they couldn’t do their normal business. Spokesperson of the Office of National Security, Abdul Karim Will, is quoted as saying that some shops did not open for business, not as a sign of protesting, but as a sign of fear from being invaded by hooligans and looters. He said that peaceful demonstrations are a part of democracies, but that they must be carried out in line with laws and regulations. Police Spokesman, Assistant Commissioner of Police, (ACP) Brima Kamara, said that the police are implementing ‘Operation Calm Nation’ to assure people that the country remains peaceful and that there’s no reason to panic. He admonished people to go about their normal lawful businesses.
