What rice remains has doubled in price. Regardless of the consequences, he said they are striving to restore justice and a democratically-elected government. The Interreligious Council of Sierra Leone has met four times with top leaders of the coup, asking them to step down and allow the return of the country's president. Leaders of the coup have refused, asking the religious leaders for two years to establish their government. According to Humper, the council has firmly stated they want the rebels out of the country and a return of democratic leadership.
Few shops can open for fear of looting.
The Sierra Leone National Bank and the National Treasury Building have been burned. Looting is the worst since the war began. Even ocean freight containers at the key ports have been ransacked. According to Yambasu, three out of five people on the street are carrying automatic weapons but all are in civilian clothes. It is impossible to tell rebel from soldier, he said.