Sierra Leone Ex-Prez Karoma charged with treason

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone has been indicted on four charges, including treason, for his alleged involvement in a failed military coup to overthrow the government. The charges were announced by a court in the capital city, Freetown, on Wednesday.

This development is likely to exacerbate tensions in Sierra Leone, which has already been experiencing unrest due to the attempted coup and a contentious re-election of President Julius Maada Bio for a second term in June 2023. The country has been struggling to recover from a brutal civil war that lasted from 1991 to 2002, resulting in the deaths of over 50,000 people. The outcome of the election was disputed by the main opposition candidate and was questioned by international partners, such as the United States and the European Union.

On November 26, gunmen attacked military barracks, a prison, and various locations in Sierra Leone, resulting in the release of approximately 2,200 inmates and the deaths of over 20 individuals. The government later claimed that it was a foiled coup primarily led by Koroma’s bodyguards.

In early December, the former president was summoned for questioning regarding the attacks. Shortly after the events occurred, Koroma issued a statement denouncing the violence. During the court proceedings, Koroma was confronted with the charges while his supporters shed tears in the courtroom.