On November 26, 2023, a seismic incident unfolded, initially characterized as a security breach by governmental authorities. Subsequently, the nature of the event transformed, revealing the intricate layers of a coup that had transpired. In the aftermath, government officials swiftly identified individuals suspected of orchestrating the upheaval. Among them were two central figures, Captain T.L. Conteh and Captain A.A. Senessie, both alleged to be the ringleaders of this audacious attempt to alter the political landscape.
The unfolding drama took an unexpected turn when Captain Conteh and Captain Senessie sought a platform to articulate their perspective. Their decision to engage in an interview with Mr. Komoh Talk at the Talking Point Platform shed light on the intricacies surrounding the alleged coup. The interview became a crucial moment for the accused leaders to present their side of the story, providing insights into their motivations, grievances, and the events leading up to the tumultuous day. The unfolding events and the subsequent interview sparked public curiosity and raised questions about the veracity of the government’s claims. In the following sections, we delve into the revelations made by Captain T.L. Conteh and Captain A.A. Senessie during their interview, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that led to this unprecedented event and the perspectives of those at the center of the storm.
CAPTAINS T.L CONTEH AND A.A SENESSIE SPEAK OUT
In an exclusive interview with Talking Point Platform (T.P.P), Captain T.L Conteh shed light on his decision to address the world through the autonomous platform. He emphasized the platform’s neutrality, praising its commitment to clean and unbiased analysis of issues. Captain Conteh briefly touched on military injustice he claims to have experienced, hinting at proof he possesses but chose not to disclose.
On the other hand, Captain A.A Senessie delved into the controversial November 26th incident, labeled by the government as a failed coup. Expressing skepticism, he accused the ruling SLPP government of deceiving the people since taking power in 2018. Senessie argued that Sierra Leoneans are discerning individuals and questioned the government’s narrative surrounding the alleged coup attempt.
Senessie raised crucial points, highlighting the inconsistency in the government’s claim by pointing out the proximity of the president and the chief of defence staff to the supposed coup location. He questioned the logic behind an attempted coup without an attack on key locations like the president’s residence and the Wilberforce barracks. Senessie painted a picture of the day’s events, describing the movement from Wilberforce barracks to Pa-demba prison and the subsequent disappearance of the alleged coup plotters.
When asked directly about his involvement, Senessie employed engineering terms, suggesting that he could be included in the narrative. He argued that if it were a genuine coup attempt, the alleged perpetrators would have succeeded in their initial objectives at Wilberforce barracks. Criticizing the government for holding individuals without trial for extended periods, he deemed it unfair and questioned the government’s commitment to the sovereignty of the people.
Senessie emphasised that their intention was not to overthrow President Julius Maada Bio, asserting that the government’s characterisation of the incident as a coup was an attempt to persecute others. He pointed to the chief of defence staff’s statement about a security breach, implying that the government’s narrative might be misrepresented.
CAPTAIN T.L. CONTEH DEFENDS MILITARY ACTION AND CHALLENGES LEGITIMACY OF GOVERNMENT.
Captain T.L. Conteh addressed his involvement in the November 26th incident, asserting his commitment to protecting the state as a military officer. He challenged the government’s intent to take them to a court martial, expressing confidence in the justice system.
When asked about his military duty, Captain Conteh referred to the constitution’s chapter two, emphasizing his obligation to protect the state, not any specific political party. He questioned the validity of the constitution in Sierra Leone, citing instances of appointments and dismissals that seemed to bypass constitutional procedures.
Regarding taking up arms, Captain Conteh clarified that he and Captain Senessise did so in favor of, not against, the state. He stressed the military’s role in defending the constitution and highlighted instances where government decisions bypassed parliamentary approval, such as the controversial Lungi Bridge project.
Pressed on whether his actions stemmed from grievances about the constitution’s violation, Captain Conteh affirmed that he took up arms out of passion and duty to defend the state. He emphasized that he was not against the government, as he was merely fulfilling his military obligation for which he is compensated.
Addressing the government’s stance against their use of arms, Captain Conteh questioned the legitimacy of the current administration. He argued that the constitution dictates government change through a ballot system and raised concerns about the credibility of the June 24th election, stating that leaders elected from that process are, in his view, illegitimate.
CAPTAIN A.A SENESSIIE SPEAKS OUT ON GOVERNMENT ALLEGATIONS AND CONSTITUTIONAL PRINCIPLES.
Captain A.A Senessiie addressed the accusations that led to his and his associates’ names being added to a wanted list by the government. Senessiie, a key figure in a group that opposes the Sierra Leonean government, shared his perspective on the situation, invoking constitutional principles and criticizing the government’s actions.
Senessiie began by highlighting Chapter 2 of the Constitution, emphasizing its role as the fundamental principle obligation of state policy. He pointed to the 1991 constitution, specifically paragraph five, which defines Sierra Leone as a state based on the principles of freedom, democracy, and justice. Senessiie asserted that if the president deviates from these principles, the parliament must criticize the individual, a responsibility he claimed has been neglected.
Furthermore, Senessiie did not mince words when expressing his views on the parliament, labeling it as the most corrupt place in Sierra Leone. He suggested that the lack of criticism from the parliament allowed the government to misuse state institutions, leading to the current state of affairs.
When questioned about the group’s decision to take up arms against the government, Senessiie clarified that their actions were not against the state itself but rather aimed at the government. According to him, the goal was to protect the state and the people of Sierra Leone, accusing the government of misusing state institutions.
Regarding their inclusion in a wanted list, Senessiie claimed that it was a tactic employed by the government to coerce them into complying with its agenda. He asserted that the government aimed to force them to dance to their tune, signalling resistance against what they perceived as unjust government actions.
Addressing the issue of being labelled as harmless, Captain T.L. Conteh, another spokesperson for the group, explained that they consider themselves harmless unless provoked. He emphasized that their voice is a powerful weapon, enabling them to express their demands effectively.
When confronted with Section 3 of the Treason Act of 1963, as amended, Senessiie rejected the notion that they had committed any treasonable acts. Instead, he turned the tables, accusing the government of treason for allegedly overthrowing the constitution and rendering itself illegitimate.
CAPTAINS CONTEH AND SENESSIE SPEAK OUT ON THE SIERRA LEONE SITUATION
Captain T.L Conteh expressed concern over the state of democracy in Sierra Leone, citing a lack of freedom of speech and expression. He emphasized the need for a legitimate government and defended their actions, stating that they were upholding the Constitution.
When questioned about their involvement in the Nov 26 incident, Captain T.L Conteh clarified that they had no affiliations with any political party, aiming to eradicate both A.P.C and S.L.P.P. He stated their mission was to defend the constitution and release unlawfully imprisoned colleagues.
Regarding regrets, Captain A.A Senessie admitted regretting not taking action during incidents on Pademba Road, finding solace in their recent actions. Captain T.L Conteh, on the other hand, affirmed that he felt no remorse, asserting they were obligated to carry out their actions.
Refusing to discuss specific individuals involved in the operation, Captain T.L Conteh suggested an interview with Koita and Sorieba to get accurate information. On the question of surrendering to the government, Captain A.A Senessie insisted they would only hand themselves over to a legitimate authority, expressing readiness to face the people if requested.
When asked about their next plan, they outlined a vision for Sierra Leone, including rewriting the constitution, holding a census, and advocating for re-election. Captain A.A Senessise stressed the importance of protecting the constitution even if it meant resorting to force.
Reflecting on the events of November 26, Captain A. A Senessise shared a vision of Sierra Leone as a heaven if the people regained sovereignty. He outlined four key steps: establishing a temporary government, conducting a census, rewriting the constitution, and organizing re-elections.
Responding to the question of why they couldn’t resign from the army and form a political party, Captain A.A Senessie revealed they were working on it. He expressed excitement about the media’s role in informing the public and emphasized their commitment to bringing patriotism to the people while seeking to eliminate both A.P.C and S.L.P.P from the country.
CAPTAIN SENESSIE AND CAPTAIN CONTEH RALLY SIERRA LEONEANS IN FINAL ADDRESS
In a heartfelt farewell, Captain Senessie expressed regret for the delay in responding to the cry for justice, urging Sierra Leoneans to hold onto hope and find the courage to fight for their rights. Despite the tardiness, he called on the nation to set aside fear and stand ready for peaceful demonstrations against injustice and illegitimacy.
Captain T.L Conteh, in his last words, extended sincere gratitude to all Sierra Leoneans and the T.P.P for aiding them in reaching out to the world. He appealed for a positive mindset among the citizens and emphasized the need to cultivate patriotism to foster national unity.
The program featured callers expressing their views and contributions:
- Mohamed Jalloh:
Inspired by both captains, Jalloh expressed disappointment in the suggestion of demonizing both parties. Instead, he proposed a more forceful approach, advocating for the seizure of power as a means to bring about change. - Unknown Caller (2nd Caller):
An unidentified caller expressed excitement, referring to the two captains as prophets and expressing unwavering support for their cause. The caller believed that God would bless them in their endeavors. - Hassan Sesay (3rd Caller):
Sesay asserted that the two captains were sent to liberate the country from bad governance. His call echoed sentiments of hope and anticipation for positive change through their efforts. - Unknown Caller (4th Caller):
The fourth caller made a bold statement, branding Maada Bio as the greatest enemy in Sierra Leone. This strong opinion indicated a prevailing sentiment among some citizens regarding the political landscape.
In their final messages, Captain Senessie and Captain Conteh aimed to galvanize the people, emphasizing the importance of unity and determination in the pursuit of justice. The diverse opinions of the callers showcased the range of perspectives within the Sierra Leonean community, from advocating forceful change to considering the captains as prophetic figures.
As these captains bid farewell, their words resonate with the hopes and frustrations of a nation grappling with governance issues. The outcome remains uncertain, but the fervor among Sierra Leoneans, as evident in the callers’ sentiments, suggests a readiness for change and a desire for a brighter future.
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