On 29 April 2020, the U.S. Embassy in Freetown issued a Security Alert, which reads in part as follows:
“Location: Freetown, Sierra Leone
“Event: A violent confrontation has been reported near Pademba Road Prison (approximately 1.5 km east of the National Stadium) today, April 29. Expect increased police presence in the area and traffic congestion.”
Analyst Comment: Protests and rioting broke out among inmates at Freetown’s Pademba Road Prison on the morning of 29 April following confirmation of the first case of COVID-19 at the facility. Inmates reportedly set fire to at least one building, and there were reports of gunfire heard in the vicinity of the prison. Police officers reportedly quelled the unrest by the early afternoon hours and authorities have not confirmed details regarding any potential casualties at this time.
