Sierra Leone drops treason charge against former President Ernest Bai Koroma
via The Namibian4 min read
Sierra Leone's government has dropped charges, including treason, against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was linked to an attempted coup nearly three years ago. Information Minister Chernor Bah stated the charges were dropped on health grounds. Koroma, 72, has consistently denied involvement in the November 2023 attempted coup, which saw gunmen break into a military armory and prisons, freeing almost 2,000 inmates. In response, Koroma expressed his belief that "peace, justice and reconciliation must always triumph over adversity" and thanked Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, and the West African regional bloc ECOWAS for their support. ECOWAS had previously brokered a deal allowing Koroma to go into exile in Nigeria for medical attention after he was charged and placed under house arrest. The attorney general filed to discontinue the case, and Koroma is now free to return to Sierra Leone. Koroma led Sierra Leone for 11 years until 2018. Eleven civilians and 24 soldiers were found guilty of involvement in the coup attempt and received long prison terms in 2024. The uprising, which resulted in about 20 deaths, occurred five months after a disputed election where President Bio was narrowly re-elected, a result rejected by Koroma's All People's Congress and criticized by international observers for lack of transparency.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Vice President Lucia Witbooi commended Namibia鈥檚 Special Olympics Unified Gladiators for their historic gold medal win at the 2026 Special Olympics Unified Soccer World Cup in Paris, France. During a welcoming ceremony, Witbooi stated that the nation was celebrating more than just a medal, highlighting the team's courage, determination, and resilience. She noted that the team is the first Namibian team to win gold at this event. On behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the government, and the nation, Witbooi congratulated the team and all contributors, emphasizing the immense pride their success brought to Namibia. She added that the government prioritizes sport due to its power to unite people, improve lives, and promote national pride. Witbooi affirmed the government's commitment to investing in sport infrastructure, coaches, and athletes to ensure continued success. She underscored that the unified sport model demonstrates that inclusion is a lived value, where differences become strengths. Witbooi encouraged the champions to continue striving for excellence and to wear their medals with humility, recognizing them as ambassadors for Namibian sport, inclusion, hope, and unity. She concluded by stating that the team's legacy is not only their medals but also the inspiration they have provided to young Namibians.
Must ReadA special police team has launched an investigation into the killing of Andile Mvuyelwa Somgxada, the Gauteng province leader of the anti-migrant group March and March, in South Africa. Somgxada was shot outside his home east of Johannesburg earlier this month and died in hospital. Sandile Dube, a spokesperson for March and March, stated that the movement believes Somgxada was targeted due to their campaign against undocumented migrants, describing it as an "orchestrated hitman type of killing." Dube also mentioned that other leaders of the organization have recently received warnings or death threats. Acting police chief Lt Gen Puleng Dimpane announced the multidisciplinary team, emphasizing the seriousness with which the police are treating the case and their commitment to a thorough investigation. Immigration, particularly undocumented migration, is a contentious political issue in South Africa, with protesters accusing migrants of straining public services and being involved in crime. March and March had set an unofficial deadline of June 30 for undocumented migrants to leave the country. The South African government has reported deporting or repatriating over 53,000 foreign nationals through a "migration management" campaign. Xenophobia has been a long-standing issue in South Africa, Africa鈥檚 wealthiest nation, which attracts migrants seeking economic opportunities. Recent demonstrations have involved violence, intimidation, and looting. Five people were arrested in Limp
Must ReadThe Western Cape High Court heard arguments against President Cyril Ramaphosa's urgent application to halt impeachment proceedings related to the Phala Phala saga. Opposition parties, including the African Transformation Movement ATM, Economic Freedom Fighters EFF, uMkhonto Wesizwe MK, and United Africans Transformation UAT, argued that granting the interdict would infringe on Parliament's authority. Advocate Anton Katz SC, representing the ATM, stated that the court would be "cutting into the lane of Parliament" by granting the interdict. The impeachment committee, chaired by Rise Mzansi's Makashule Gana, also opposed the application. Ramaphosa's legal team, led by advocate Wim Trengove SC, contended that proceeding with public impeachment hearings would cause "irreparable harm" and be "humiliating" for the President, especially if the Section 89 panel's report, which found he had a case to answer regarding the theft of $580,000 at his farm, is later found invalid. However, advocates for the opposition and the impeachment committee, including advocate William Mokhare SC, argued that the core issue was the separation of powers and that the President had not demonstrated irreparable harm. They asserted that the committee would ensure a fair process and protect the President's rights. Advocate Dali Mpofu, representing MK and UAT, emphasized that the court should not interfere with the legislature's functioning, as Parliament is the only means for South Africans to hold the Pres