FREETOWN, Sierra Leone — Sierra Leone’s government has officially discontinued the treason case against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, bringing to an end a high-profile legal saga that had been a national security issue since the alleged attempted coup of November 2023.
The Attorney — General and Minister of Justice filed a Notice of Discontinuance under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, removing the case from the court’s docket. Koroma, who served as president from 2007 to 2018, has been living outside the country, including a period in Nigeria where he received medical treatment.
The Attorney — General’s office did not specify the reasons for the discontinuation of the case. Koroma, in a statement, expressed gratitude for the support received from his family, the Sierra Leone government, and regional leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The former president’s lawyer, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, welcomed the decision, stating that Koroma has been formally and fully discharged of all criminal charges. Kamara emphasized the importance of national peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion, attributing the discontinuance to lawful authority.
The case stemmed from the violent attacks on military installations, correctional facilities, and other government institutions in Freetown, which the government characterized as an attempted coup against the administration of President Julius Maada Bio.
The incident resulted in over 20 deaths and the arrest of numerous individuals, including former military personnel and police officers. With the charges dropped, Koroma now has the option to return to Sierra Leone, where he has faced more than two years of uncertainty.
The decision has sparked discussions on the political implications and the future of national unity in the country. KICKER: As Koroma’s legal battle concludes, the nation awaits further developments and a clearer understanding of the government’s decision-making process in the wake of the controversial coup attempt.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Panafricanvisions
Source: Pan African Visions
