By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-19 15:55:59
Former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, is on his way to Nigeria for medical treatment, despite facing accusations of involvement in a coup attempt in the previous year. The High Court of Sierra Leone granted him a three-month leave, sparking speculation about a potential exile arrangement.
Ernest Bai Koroma, who served as president of Sierra Leone for 11 years until 2018, has been given permission to leave the country while he awaits his treason trial scheduled for March. Julius Maada Bio is the current president of Sierra Leone, succeeding Ernest Bai Koroma.
On Friday afternoon, a Nigerian presidential jet was seen departing from Freetown International Airport, carrying the 70-year-old former president. There are rumors circulating that a deal may have been facilitated by the West African regional bloc, Ecowas, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone government to allow Mr. Bai Koroma to relocate, potentially easing tensions stemming from the unrest in November.
The situation has led to uncertainty, with observers questioning the circumstances surrounding the former president’s departure and how it may impact the impending legal proceedings.
It is important to note that this information was sourced from the BBC.
The decision to allow Ernest Bai Koroma to leave the country for medical treatment while facing serious allegations has raised questions and speculation about the motives behind this decision. The involvement of Ecowas and the government of Sierra Leone in facilitating the former president’s relocation has added to the uncertainty of the situation. As the accusations against him are serious and his trial is scheduled for March, the implications of his departure on the legal proceedings remain to be seen.
