Sierra Leone’s Justice Minister Clarifies Koroma’s Trip Abroad Is a Medical Necessity, Not a Penalty

Sierra Leone’s Attorney General Alpha Sesay assures the treason trial of former President Ernest Bai Koroma will not harm national relations, emphasizing that legal proceedings are guided strictly by the law.

The AG stressed that the unfolding criminal justice process will not undermine national relationships, noting that its outcome is already clearly defined under the law. He added that medical travel by former presidents, such as Koroma’s recent trip to Nigeria, should not be seen as punishment but simply as a circumstance of necessity.

Former President Koroma was charged on January 3, 2024, with four offences, including treason, misprision of treason, and two counts of harbouring persons allegedly involved in the failed coup attempt of November 26, 2023.

After being placed under house arrest in December 2023, Koroma was granted court approval on January 17, 2024, to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment. He left Sierra Leone shortly after, on or around January 19, 2024, and was received in Abuja by officials of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

According to the Attorney General, once Koroma completes his medical treatment abroad and returns home, he will continue to be recognized in his rightful capacity as a former president of Sierra Leone.