The government assures the public it is ‘in control’ as it pursues suspects in the capital Freetown.

Sierra Leone’s government on Sunday said they had repelled the attack at the military’s main Wilberforce barracks and were in control of the situation. The government advised citizens to shelter indoors as it carried out a manhunt for the suspects.

Witnesses told the AFP news agency they heard heavy gunfire and explosions in the capital early on Sunday morning, while a video shared on social media appeared to show plumes of smoke rising from the streets.

Information Minister Chernor Bah assured the public in a statement on Sunday that “the government and its state security forces are in control”.

“To enable the security forces to continue the process of apprehending the suspects, a nationwide curfew has been declared with immediate effect across the country. We strongly advise citizens to stay indoors,” the statement added.

The government provided no further details on the alleged perpetrators or their motives.

Sierra Leone has seen political unrest following the re-election of President Julius Maada Bio in June.

International observers condemned a “lack of transparency” in the ballot count and Sierra Leone’s opposition party initially disputed the results and boycotted the government.

In a statement issued on Sunday, West Africa’s regional bloc, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), condemned attempt to ‘disturb constitutional order’ in Sierra Leone.