By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Africanews
Published on 2024-01-18 10:20:30
Sierra Leone’s former president Ernest Bai Koroma has been granted permission by a high court in Freetown to travel abroad for medical treatment. This comes after Koroma was accused of treason and other offences in connection to a failed coup in November which resulted in the deaths of around 20 people.
The High Court ruling states that Koroma is allowed to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment but must return to Sierra Leone within three months to appear before the court on March 6. His lead counsel, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, stated that he was unable to comment on the ruling due to a “gag order” that has been issued.
Speculation has arisen that Koroma may choose to go into exile in Nigeria if the charges against him are dropped. Koroma was arrested at the beginning of January in connection with the failed coup, which saw gunmen break into a military armoury and several prisons in Freetown, resulting in the release of almost 2,000 inmates. Around 30 individuals, including police, soldiers, and Koroma’s former bodyguard, have been charged for their alleged roles in the mutiny.
The situation surrounding Koroma and the failed coup has sparked both controversy and interest in Sierra Leone and beyond. The granting of permission for him to travel abroad for medical reasons raises questions about his potential involvement in the failed coup, as well as the political and legal implications of his case.
As the former president prepares to travel for medical treatment, the people of Sierra Leone and the international community await further developments in this ongoing and complex situation. It remains to be seen how Koroma’s case will unfold and what impact it will have on the political landscape in Sierra Leone.
