Sierra Leone Withdraws Treason Charges Against Former President Ernest Bai Koroma After November Coup Attempt
Sierra Leonean prosecutors have withdrawn all charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was facing trial for treason and other offences related to a failed coup attempt in November 2023. The Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed the state’s decision to discontinue the case against Mr Koroma, who had been under house arrest since December.
The November 2023 Coup Attempt
The alleged coup saw unidentified gunmen breach a military armoury, two prisons, and a police station in the capital, Freetown, on 26th November. The coordinated attacks resulted in the freeing of approximately 2,200 inmates, raising significant security concerns across the nation. Over 20 people were killed in the ensuing violence, including 14 soldiers, three attackers, a police officer, a prison officer, and a civilian.
Following the events, President Julius Maada Bio's government declared the incident a coup attempt. Subsequently, investigations led to the arrest of over 80 individuals, including former President Koroma, for their alleged involvement. Mr Koroma, 70, was accused of four offences: treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harbouring. He consistently denied any wrongdoing.
His arrest and subsequent house arrest drew international attention, particularly from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which initiated mediation efforts to resolve the political impasse. The specifics of the agreement leading to the withdrawal of charges have not been publicly detailed, though such interventions often involve diplomatic concessions aimed at de-escalation.
