Sierra Leone drops treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma
via SeneNews4 min read
Judicial authorities in Sierra Leone have announced the abandonment of treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma. Koroma, who led the West African nation from 2007 to 2018, was indicted in January 2024 for his alleged role in what authorities described as a 2023 coup attempt. He had traveled to Nigeria shortly after his indictment for medical treatment, with judicial authorization to stay for a maximum of three months, but did not return to Sierra Leone. A statement from the Attorney General and Minister of Justice's Office confirmed that a "notice of cessation of criminal proceedings" against Koroma had been filed, stating that the former president "is therefore free to return to Sierra Leone after his medical treatment or at any time of his choice." No specific explanation was provided for the decision to drop the charges, though political observers suggest it aims to promote national unity. The alleged coup attempt in November 2023 involved armed individuals assaulting a military arsenal, barracks, prisons, and police stations, resulting in clashes with security forces. Twenty-one people were killed, and hundreds of prisoners escaped before authorities regained control. At least 80 individuals, mostly military personnel, were arrested in connection with the events.
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