Sierra Leone Exonerates Former Leader from Treason Accusations
The government of Sierra Leone has decided to withdraw treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who had been accused in connection with an attempted coup that took place nearly three years ago. Information Minister Chernor Bah attributed the decision to health considerations.
Koroma, who is 72, has consistently denied any involvement in the attempted coup of November 2023, during which armed individuals stormed a military armoury and multiple prisons, liberating nearly 2,000 inmates. Following the announcement, Koroma expressed his belief that peace, justice, and reconciliation should prevail in times of adversity.
In his statement, Koroma thanked Sierra Leone's current President, Julius Maada Bio, Nigeria's President, Bola Tinubu, and the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) for their assistance. After being charged, Koroma was placed under house arrest, and through Ecowas mediation, he was allowed to seek exile in Nigeria for medical care. Subsequently, the attorney general filed to cease legal proceedings against him, thus nullifying the charges.
"The former president is now free to return to Sierra Leone whenever he wishes and resume his normal activities," Minister Bah stated. Koroma's tenure as president lasted 11 years until 2018, when President Bio succeeded him.
In connection with the coup attempt, eleven civilians and 24 military personnel were convicted in 2024 and received lengthy prison sentences. The uprising resulted in about 20 fatalities and occurred five months after a contentious election where President Bio narrowly secured a second term. Koroma's party, the All People's Congress, contested the election results. International observers also criticized the election process, pointing out discrepancies in vote counting.
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