Sierra Leone police summon former president to answer questions about attempted coup

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Police in Sierra Leone summoned former President Ernest Bai Koroma for questioning Thursday in connection with a failed coup attempt last month, according to the government.

Koroma is invited to report to the headquarters of the Criminal Investigations Department in Freetown within 24 hours, Information Minister Chernor Bah said in a statement.

“The former president is invited to assist the police in the ongoing criminal investigations into the Nov. 26 failed attempted coup in Sierra Leone,” he said.

Deadly violence broke out in the nation’s capital of Freetown, leaving 19 dead, including security personnel and a civilian last month.

Assailants attacked military barracks and prisons, freeing 2,000 inmates.

The government described the fighting as an attempted coup.

The army’s Chief of Defense Staff Lt. Gen. Peter Lavahun said Nov. 28 that several attackers were Koroma’s former bodyguards.

Lavahun, however, said he could not ascertain whether the former president was linked.

Koroma said he would honor the police summons and that he maintains an “open mind” and stood “ready to support the police investigations to the fullest.”

Koroma, who condemned the attack, urged the public to remain calm.

“Let the rule of law reign supreme in our democracy.”

Police published photos and identities of 34 men and women comprising of serving and retired soldiers, police officers and civilians on a wanted list following the incident.

More than 70 suspects, including 45 serving military officers and seven serving police officers have been arrested in an investigation, according to Bah.