Former Sierra Leone Prez Charged Over Failed Coup
Dr Ernest Rai Koroma, a former President of Sierra Leone is facing trial for an attempted coup in the country in November.
A statement by the country’s Information Ministry said he was charged over the uprising which occurred at some security installations in Freetown on November 26 during which 20 people died.
The charges were levelled against him on Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
The former President who ruled for 11 years is now facing trial for four offences, including treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harbouring.
In December 2023, Mr Koroma was invited for interrogation over his suspected role in the attempted coup.
It comes after 12 persons including ex-police and correctional officers were charged for their alleged involvement in the attack on January 2, 2024.
Thirteen soldiers, three assailants, a police officer, a civilian and a private security, were among the twenty killed in the attack as the assailants attacked the military barracks at Wilberforce, the prison and other locations in Freetown firing gunshots.
Eight others were wounded.
A spokesperson at the time told the media three of the assailants were immediately arrested.
In a statement, West African bloc Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) said it was disgusted by the situation and urged the government to arrest and prosecute all the perpetrators.
