By Joseph S. Conteh
The Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Organize Tribute for 18 Killed in November 2023 Coup Attempt on November 26th, 2025.
The Ministry of Defence and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces held a Solemn Inter-Faith Service to honor the memory of the 18 security personnel who were killed in the line of duty during the attempted coup on November 26th, 2023.
The service, held at the Defence Headquarters in Freetown, was attended by military and government officials, as well as the families of the fallen heroes. In his welcome address, Colonel Victor Momoh says the significance of the occasion, stating, “Today marks 2 years since the tragic event of 26th November, 2023. On that day, 18 of our gallant security personnel, comprising 15 soldiers, two police officers, and one correctional services guard, paid the ultimate price to defend our country and our democracy.”
Colonel Momoh went on to say that the service was organized to be the first event of its kind, allowing the nation to collectively offer prayers for the souls of the fallen and to comfort their families. “This calls for us to stay dedicated to our duty to our nation, Sierra Leone,” he added.
Tribute from the Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu These people serve Sierra Leone very well, and whatever peace and tranquility we are enjoying today, we have to attribute to the sacrifices they make for us. As Christians, we see death as a transition into eternity, and we strongly believe our 18 personnel rest in heaven.
Tribute from the family members Victor Rogers’s victim’s family members have been completely abandoned; they knock on so many doors, but no one looks into their welfare. They have gone through so many challenges; they were chased out from their quarters, and they are pleading to the government to come to their aid.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba said those enemies of the state attempted to kill our democracy to bring our country to disunity.
His Excellency has asked me to convey these condolences to the bereaved family and to wish the family of the victims, the Armed Forces of Sierra Leone, the police, and the Sierra Leone prison whose officers lost their lives on this particular day, may their souls rest in perfect peace. The family members need to be considered; they’re the heroes of our land for their husbands, brothers, and relatives. We must not forget them.
