Sierra Leonean authorities have formally filed charges of treason against 12 individuals subsequent to an unsuccessful coup attempt that transpired in November 2023.
Among the accused is an individual associated with the security detail of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. This significant legal development was officially disclosed by the government on Tuesday, elucidating the aftermath of the thwarted coup.
The incident, which unfolded on November 26, witnessed a bold assault by armed assailants on several pivotal locations within Sierra Leone. Targets of the orchestrated attack included military barracks, a correctional facility, and other strategically significant points. The assailants effectively facilitated the release of approximately 2,200 inmates, while the violent offensive resulted in the regrettable loss of more than 20 lives.
The individuals facing charges were presented before a magistrate court in the capital city of Freetown on Tuesday (January 2), as conveyed by the information ministry in an official statement. The accused encompass former police and correctional officers, along with Amadu Koita, a former bodyguard to President Koroma.
“Other accused persons are expected to be charged in the coming days,” the ministry said.
Breaking! The former president of #SierraLeone, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has been indicted for #treason and three other offenses because of his alleged involvement in the failed coup of November 26th, 2023. pic.twitter.com/UkFeQ7KGHr
— Chernor Bah (@Cee_Bah) January 3, 2024
Immediate attempts to contact Koita or his legal representative for a response were unsuccessful.
Earlier statements from the government implicated primarily the bodyguards of President Koroma in orchestrating the unsuccessful coup.
Following the attacks, President Koroma promptly denounced them in a statement. Subsequently, in December, he was called in for questioning as part of the ongoing police investigation.
