Sierra Leone drops treason charges against former president Ernest Bai Koroma

Ex-president free to return home after charges are withdrawn

Sierra Leone has officially dropped treason charges against former president Ernest Bai Koroma over his alleged involvement in what authorities described as an attempted coup in 2023.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, which confirmed that it had filed a notice to discontinue the criminal proceedings against the former leader.

The decision means Koroma is now free to return to Sierra Leone whenever he chooses after completing his medical treatment in Nigeria.

Koroma was charged in 2024

Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, was charged in January 2024 with treason and several other offences linked to the alleged coup attempt.

Shortly after being charged, judicial authorities granted him permission to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment for a maximum period of three months.

However, the former president did not return to Sierra Leone after the approved period expired, leading to continued uncertainty over his legal status.

Government gives no reason for dropping charges

In its statement, the government did not explain why the charges had been withdrawn.

However, political insiders believe the move could be part of efforts to promote national reconciliation and political unity in the West African nation.

The decision is likely to have major political implications, given Koroma’s influence within Sierra Leone’s political landscape and his continued support base.

The 2023 attack that shook Sierra Leone

The charges against Koroma stemmed from violent incidents in November 2023, when armed attackers stormed a military armoury, two military barracks, two prisons and two police stations.

The attacks triggered clashes between the assailants and security forces, leaving at least 21 people dead and allowing hundreds of prisoners to escape before authorities regained control.

The government described the events as an attempted coup carried out by members of the armed forces.

Following the unrest, at least 80 people were arrested, with most of those detained being military personnel.

The withdrawal of charges against Koroma marks a significant development in one of Sierra Leone’s most politically sensitive cases and could open a new chapter in the country’s efforts to maintain stability and national unity.