Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma was formally charged with four counts of treason on Wednesday, in a move that further deepens the political rift in the West African nation and ignites concerns about judicial independence.
The charges stem from November’s failed coup attempt that saw gunmen target a military base and prisons in the capital, Freetown.
Koroma, who vehemently denies involvement, stood in court as the charges were read, drawing tears from some of his supporters. His lawyer, Joseph Kamara, called the charges “trumped-up” and part of a “political vendetta,” a sentiment echoed by some within Koroma’s All People’s Congress party.
The development comes after months of mounting tension following the disputed 2023 elections, which saw President Julius Maada Bio secure a narrow second term. International observers raised concerns about the election’s transparency, and Koroma’s party vehemently contested the results.
Adding to the situation’s complexity are reports that regional leaders attempted to broker a deal for Koroma’s exile in exchange for dropping the charges.
While a letter purportedly showing Koroma’s agreement to the deal has surfaced, Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister has distanced the government from the proposal.
Koroma, president from 2007 to 2018, has been under house arrest since December when he was first questioned over the coup. On Tuesday, twelve others, including one of his former bodyguards, also faced charges related to the failed attempt. His daughter, Dankay Koroma, has also been named a suspect, though she has yet to comment publicly.
As the nation grapples with this complex situation, international observers and human rights groups will closely monitor the case’s development, searching for signs of political interference and upholding judicial integrity.
