Former Sierra Leone president charged with treason

Ernest Bai Koroma charged with 4 counts in connection with last year’s coup attempt

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - A court in Sierra Leone charged former President Ernest Bai Koroma on Wednesday in connection with a failed coup attempt last year.

A statement from the Information Ministry indicated that Koroma faces four charges, including "treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harboring" related to his alleged role in the failed coup of November 26, 2023.

The violent incident occurred in Sierra Leone's capital, Freetown, resulting in the death of 19 people, including security personnel and a civilian.

Assailants attacked military barracks and prisons, leading to the release of approximately 2,000 inmates. The government labeled the clashes as an attempted coup.

The military said several of the attackers were Koroma’s former bodyguards.

More than 70 suspects, including 45 serving military officers and seven serving police officers, were arrested following the incident.

Kaynak: