Sierra Leone’s former President, Ernest Bai Koroma, was charged with treason and other associated crimes by the country’s prosecutors on Wednesday. The allegations against Koroma pertain to his purported involvement in an unsuccessful military coup that occurred on November 26, 2023. These charges against the ex-president follow in the wake of twelve other individuals being similarly charged, which notably includes Koroma’s former bodyguard. Read more here.
The charges brought against Koroma — treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harboring — were formally announced by Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information and Civic Education and filed before a magisterial court in Freetown, Sierra Leone’s capital. A request for bail was swiftly lodged and subsequently permitted by the High Court on the same day, subject to five conditions that restrict Koroma’s movements and visitor access.
- No more than ten people, inclusive of his wife, children, lawyers and political party members, should be present at his residence at any one time.
- He is required to secure the approval of the Inspector-General of Police prior to leaving his house.
- Only the National Chairman and National Deputy Chairman of his party are permitted to visit him.
- All visits to his residence must be approved by the Inspector-General of Police.
- He must provide two sureties who should be senior citizens residing in the Western Area of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
On Tuesday, twelve other former officials, that include ex-police and correctional officers as well as Koroma’s former bodyguard, were indicted for their suspected roles in the aborted coup. These individuals face charges of treason, misprision of treason, harboring, and aiding and abetting the enemy.
The coup attempt, which transpired on November 26, 2023, involved a group of gunmen who targeted numerous strategic locations in Freetown. This includes a military armory at Wilberforce Barracks and a prison. The chaos resulted in around 2,200 prisoners being liberated and over 20 casualties. In immediate response, the incumbent President Julius Maada Bio proclaimed a nationwide curfew. Other measures involved the capturing of the bulk of the attack’s leaders and instigating an investigation into the events.
To clarify his stance following the events, Koroma strongly condemned the “grave breaches of state security” on November 27. He expressed that in a democracy, disturbances that compromise the stability of the state should have no place. He also encouraged calm, urging all stakeholders to prioritize the nation’s wellbeing and stability.
Despite Koroma’s condemnation of the events, the Inspector General of the Freetown Police summoned him on December 7 to investigate the disturbances. Although refuting any ties to the events of November 26, Koroma consented to the police investigation, and reported to the police on December 8.
However, concerns have been expressed that the investigation is morphing into a “witch hunt”, particularly with the summoning of Koroma by the police. The Brenthurst Foundation Advisory Board, of which Koroma is a member, issued a statement on December 14 expressing these concerns.
Koroma’s court case has been suspended until January 17, when the state is expected to call witnesses. As per Sierra Leone’s law, a person found guilty of treason could potentially receive a sentence of life imprisonment. Read more about Sierra Leone’s treason laws here.