Formation of the National Reformation Council Led by Chairman Juxon-Smith

On March 23, 1967, a significant political shift occurred in Sierra Leone when Brigadier Andrew Juxon-Smith, alongside a faction of senior military officers, executed a coup d'état that resulted in the overthrow of Brigadier General David Lansana. This decisive action was marked by the arrest of Lansana and the suspension of the existing constitution, effectively dismantling the current government structure. Following the coup, the military group established itself as the National Reformation Council (NRC), with Juxon-Smith assuming the roles of both chairman and Governor-General. This event marked a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone's history, as it set the stage for military governance and a series of political changes that would follow in the years to come. The NRC's formation was indicative of the growing influence of the military in Sierra Leonean politics, reflecting broader trends in post-colonial African nations during this period. The coup not only altered the political landscape but also raised questions about governance, civil rights, and the future of democracy in Sierra Leone.