Sierra Leone's Aftermath: Ex-President's Guard Charged with Treason for Alleged Coup Attempt

In a striking turn of events following the foiled coup attempt in Sierra Leone last November, authorities have charged twelve individuals, including a former guard of the ex-President, with treason and other offenses. These charges not only highlight the gravity of the situation but also attest to the government's unwavering stance on national security.

On November 26, 2023, Sierra Leone was rocked by an audacious coup attempt, which saw an array of strategic locations come under siege. Military barracks, a prison, and other key infrastructures were targeted in a coordinated assault that has been described as brazen and unprecedented in recent history. Notably, the perpetrators managed the release of some 2,200 prison inmates, exacerbating the chaos that ensued.

The violence, which cost over 20 lives, has been attributed to gunmen with ties to the security team of former President Ernest Bai Koroma. The Sierra Leonean government has taken a hard line against this breach of peace, resulting in the recent arraignments.

The incident has been under intense scrutiny, with investigations leading to a series of arrests and charges. On January 2, a Freetown magistrate court saw the twelve accused stand before the judge as the Information Ministry confirmed their identities, which included former law enforcement and correctional officers, alongside Amadu Koita, a prominent figure linked to the former president's security team.

The statement issued by the ministry underscored the seriousness of the offenses and hinted that more individuals might face similar charges as the investigation proceeds. Among the charged, Koita's name stands out, given his former role and close association with Koroma's security details. Yet, attempts to get comments from Koita or his legal team have been unsuccessful.

In the wake of the attempted coup, former President Koroma was summoned for questioning in December, indicating the depth of the probe by the authorities. The government has laid the blame heavily on Koroma's bodyguards for orchestrating the failed takeover, a claim the former president has categorically condemned through public statements.

It is a critical period for Sierra Leone as it grapples with the implications of this incident on its political stability and the rule of law. The legal processes and the unfolding narrative from the court proceedings will be closely monitored, both nationally and internationally, as the country confronts one of its most significant challenges to democracy and governance in recent times.