In a press statement released January 8th, 2024, the Office of the Directorate of Defence Public Relations & Information, Ministry of Defence, has informed the public about the commencement of a Court Martial Pre-trial Session for 27 personnel of the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF).

The proceedings are taking place at Court No. 1 Main Law Court Building, Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown, starting from January 8th, 2024.

The charges against the accused RSLAF personnel stem from their alleged involvement in the failed coup d’etat that occurred on November 26th, 2023. The accused face a range of charges, including Mutiny, Failure to suppress mutiny, Murder, Aiding the enemy, Communicating with the enemy, and other relevant offenses. The press statement did not provide specific details about the individuals involved or the events surrounding the alleged coup attempt.

The Court Martial Pre-trial Session follows the completion of Commanding Officers’ Investigations (COI) into the actions of the accused persons. The Ministry of Defence emphasizes its commitment to upholding justice and maintaining discipline within the armed forces.

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In a separate development, the Ministry of Defence and the RSLAF have concluded investigations into 48 RSLAF personnel. These individuals have been compulsorily discharged for their involvement in an illegal WhatsApp Group known as the JOINT KALAMERA PEACE AND SECURITY NETWORK (JKPSN). The discharge is in accordance with existing policies that strictly prohibit serving personnel from participating in pressure groups or engaging in critical political discussions.

The JKPSN members were found to be engaged in subversive activities aimed at unseating the democratically elected Government of His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the RSLAF, Brigadier General (Retired) Dr Julius Maada Bio. This constitutes a violation of the Oath of Allegiance, RSLAF Rules, Regulations, and Policies. Moreover, it has been established that the actions and behavior of the discharged individuals adversely impacted the operational effectiveness of the RSLAF, potentially damaging command trust, management, and leadership relationships.

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education, in collaboration with the MoD/RSLAF Public Relations and Information Unit, has assured the public of continued updates on the Court Martial proceedings and the administrative discharge procedures. The announcement underscores the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing issues within the armed forces.

As the nation awaits further details on the Court Martial and the discharged personnel, the developments signal a proactive approach by the Ministry of Defence to maintain discipline and uphold the constitutional order within Sierra Leone’s military forces.