The Government of Sierra Leone has officially withdrawn treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, ending criminal proceedings linked to his alleged involvement in what authorities described as an attempted coup in November 2023. Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, was charged in January 2024 with treason, misprision of treason and other related offences. The charges stemmed from a deadly attack on military and security installations that the government said was an attempt to overthrow President Julius Maada Bio’s administration.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice confirmed that it had filed a notice to discontinue all criminal proceedings against the former president. The statement said Koroma is now free to return to Sierra Leone at any time, either after completing his medical treatment in Nigeria or whenever he chooses. He traveled to Nigeria in January 2024 after receiving judicial approval for a three-month medical leave but remained there beyond the authorized period. Although the government did not provide a reason for dropping the charges, political observers believe the decision is aimed at promoting national reconciliation and easing political tensions in the country.
The alleged coup attempt in November 2023 saw armed assailants attack a military armoury, two army barracks, two prisons and two police stations in the capital, Freetown. The coordinated assaults triggered fierce clashes with security forces, leaving at least 21 people dead and allowing hundreds of prisoners to escape before government forces restored order. Authorities subsequently arrested more than 80 suspects, including military personnel, accusing them of participating in or supporting the attempted overthrow of the government. The decision to discontinue the case against Koroma marks a significant development in one of Sierra Leone’s most politically sensitive legal cases and could pave the way for improved political dialogue in the West African nation.
