Sierra Leone, on January 2, 2024, charged twelve people for their alleged role in November’s failed coup attempt against President Julius Maada Bio.
Those charged include former police and correctional officers as well as the former bodyguard of ex-President Ernest Bai Koroma.
The suspects are facing several charges, including treason, concealing treason and “harbouring, aiding and abetting the enemy”, Information Minister Chernor Bah said in a statement adding that other suspects are expected to be charged in the coming days.
Sierra Leone Government announced that, 85 people most of them military personnel were arrested in connection with the events of November 26, 2023, where gunmen stormed a military armory, two barracks, two prisons, and two police stations, in the capital city of Freetown, freeing almost 2,000 inmates.
At least 19 people, including 13 soldiers, died in the violence following heavy clashes with the security forces, which was labeled as a failed coup attempt on the government of President Julius Maada Bio.
In an announcement, President Julius Maada declared that the incident was, beyond any doubt, an attempted coup d’État. He emphasized that his government would treat the attempted coup as a matter of law and order, devoid of any political, tribal, or religious considerations.
He reassured the public that the response to this incident would be guided by the pursuit of justice and adherence to the rule of law.