President Julius Maada Bio addressed the nation on January 18, 2024, delivering a speech that emphasized the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law. He made it unequivocally clear that the government is prepared to enforce the full weight of the law against any individual, group, or association found violating it.

A significant part of the President’s address focused on the ongoing treason trial of the former President, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma. President Bio underscored the importance of the rule of law in prevailing circumstances. He highlighted a recent development in the trial, stating that on January 17th, when the trial resumed, Dr. Koroma’s legal team applied to the court for permission for him to temporarily leave the country for specialized medical reasons.

The Attorney General strongly opposed this application, emphasizing the constitutional principle of the separation of powers. President Bio stressed that such matters are entirely within the purview of the courts to decide. Ultimately, the courts granted the application, allowing the former president to depart the country solely for medical reasons. The trial will be suspended for the duration of his absence.

President Bio emphasized, “The rule of law, we continue to prevail. At the resumption of the trial of the former President Ernest by Cromer on January 17th. His lawyers made an application to the courts to permit him to leave the jurisdiction temporarily for specialised medical reasons. The Attorney general vehemently opposed the application. On the principle of separation of powers enshrined in our Constitution. It is a matter entirely for the courts to determine. The courts have therefore granted the application for the former president to depart from the country purely. For specialised medical reasons. And his trial will be suspended for the duration of his absence. Of course, it is important to know that this humanitarian gesture does not in any way detract from the seriousness of the ongoing trials. On the contrary. It reinforces our position that the trial is not a political witch hunt. But one aimed at unravelling the truth behind the events of November 26th, 2023.”

President Bio made it clear that this decision, while a humanitarian gesture, does not diminish the gravity of the ongoing trials. He asserted that the trial is not a political witch hunt but a sincere effort to uncover the truth behind the events of November 26, 2023. This move reinforces the government’s stance on the trial’s seriousness and its commitment to transparency and justice.

The President’s address sought to assure the public that the government remains steadfast in its dedication to the rule of law, emphasizing the impartiality of the legal process. By highlighting the separation of powers and the court’s independent decision on the former president’s temporary departure, President Bio aimed to underscore the government’s respect for constitutional principles.

The mention of the events of November 26, 2023, adds context to the ongoing trials, suggesting that the charges against the former president are related to significant incidents on that date. President Bio’s commitment to unraveling the truth underscores the government’s determination to address any wrongdoing and maintain public trust in the judicial system.