Sierra Leone drops treason charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma over health concerns

The Sierra Leone government has withdrawn treason and other criminal charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma on health grounds, nearly three years after he was charged over an alleged coup attempt.

The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice announced that it had filed a notice discontinuing the criminal proceedings against Koroma in accordance with Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.

According to the Attorney General’s office, the decision was made in the exercise of powers conferred on the Attorney General under Sierra Leonean law.

Koroma, 72, was charged with treason and misprision of treason following the failed November 2023 coup attempt, during which gunmen attacked a military armoury and several prisons, freeing nearly 2,000 inmates. About 20 people were killed during the unrest.

He has consistently denied any involvement in the incident.

Following his arrest and house detention, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) brokered an agreement with the Sierra Leone government allowing Koroma to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment.

“The proceedings are no longer before the court, and the former President’s bail comes to an end with immediate effect,” the Attorney General’s office said in a public notice.

It added that Koroma is “free to return to Sierra Leone upon the completion of his medical treatment or at any time of his choosing.”

Information Minister Chernor Bah also confirmed that the charges had been withdrawn on health grounds.

In a statement following the decision, Koroma welcomed the move, saying he remained committed to peace and national unity.

He also thanked President Julius Maada Bio, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and ECOWAS for their support throughout the process.

Koroma served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018 before Bio was elected. The attempted coup occurred five months after a disputed presidential election in which Bio secured a second term.