The decision clears the way for the former leader to return home after more than a year in Nigeria for medical treatment.

Freetown, Sierra Leone (Running Africa) — The Government of Sierra Leone has dropped treason charges against former president Ernest Bai Koroma, bringing an end to criminal proceedings linked to his alleged involvement in the country’s failed 2023 coup attempt.

The Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice announced on Tuesday that it had formally discontinued the case, clearing the way for Koroma to return to Sierra Leone at his choosing or after completing ongoing medical treatment in Nigeria.

Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, was charged in January 2024 with treason and several related offenses.

Shortly after the charges were filed, he received court approval to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment. Although the permission was initially granted for three months, the former president remained abroad beyond the approved period.

No Official Reason Given for Decision

Authorities have not publicly explained why the charges were withdrawn.

However, political analysts say the decision could help ease political tensions and support broader efforts toward national reconciliation in the West African nation.

The withdrawal of the case marks a significant development in one of Sierra Leone’s highest-profile political and legal proceedings in recent years.

Charges Linked to Failed 2023 Coup Attempt

The case stemmed from the November 2023 attacks in Freetown, when armed men launched coordinated assaults on a military armory, military barracks, police stations, and correctional facilities.

The violence left 21 people dead and allowed hundreds of prisoners to escape before security forces regained control.

The government described the attacks as an attempted coup and launched a nationwide investigation.

More than 80 suspects, the majority of them military personnel, were arrested as part of the investigation into the alleged plot.

The decision to discontinue proceedings against Koroma is expected to reshape Sierra Leone’s political landscape, although authorities have not indicated whether investigations into other suspects connected to the failed coup attempt will continue.