Charges Dropped on Health Grounds
Sierra Leone's government has officially withdrawn treason and other charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who was arrested in connection with an attempted coup nearly three years ago. Information Minister Chernor Bah confirmed to the BBC that the decision was made on health grounds, allowing the 72-year-old ex-leader to return to the country freely.
Koroma, who has consistently denied any involvement in the November 2023 attempted coup, welcomed the decision as a step toward peace and reconciliation. In a statement, he reaffirmed his “enduring conviction that peace, justice and reconciliation must always triumph over adversity.”
Background of the Coup Attempt
The November 2023 uprising saw gunmen storm a military armoury and several prisons, releasing almost 2,000 inmates. Around 20 people died in the violence. Eleven civilians and 24 soldiers were later convicted of involvement and handed long prison sentences in 2024. Koroma was arrested and placed under house arrest before being allowed to go into exile in Nigeria for medical treatment, a deal brokered by the West African regional bloc Ecowas.
Following this arrangement, Sierra Leone's attorney general filed to discontinue the case. Minister Bah confirmed: “The former president is therefore free to return to Sierra Leone at a time of his choosing and to go about his normal business.”
Political Context and Legacy
Koroma served as Sierra Leone's president for 11 years until 2018, when Julius Maada Bio was elected. His party, the All People’s Congress, rejected the results of the disputed 2023 election, which saw Bio narrowly re-elected for a second term. International observers criticized the vote, citing a lack of transparency in the count.
In his statement, Koroma expressed gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, and Ecowas for their support. The dropping of charges is seen as a turning point in Sierra Leone’s political landscape, following years of tension and disputed elections.
Ecowas and Regional Support
Ecowas played a key role in facilitating Koroma's exile and medical treatment in Nigeria. The regional bloc's involvement underscores its commitment to stability in Sierra Leone. Koroma thanked regional leaders for their role, emphasizing the importance of reconciliation.
Nigeria carries a historic responsibility to drive Africa’s progress, Koroma had earlier stated, while addressing dignitaries at Flutterwave’s 10th anniversary Gala Night. He described the fintech firm’s growth as a continental achievement.
Koroma's Political Journey
Born in 1953, Ernest Bai Koroma rose to prominence as leader of the All People’s Congress, guiding the country through post-war recovery and economic reforms during his presidency from 2007 to 2018. His tenure ended when Julius Maada Bio was elected. In November 2023, Koroma was accused of involvement in an attempted coup, though he denied the charges. He was later placed under house arrest before going into exile in Nigeria for medical treatment. In 2026, Sierra Leone’s government dropped all charges against him on health grounds.
