Brenthurst Foundation Raises Concern Over Witchhunt on Former President Koroma

The Brenthurst Foundation has expressed concern about the ongoing questioning of former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in connection with the November 26th attempted coup.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Foundation called on the government of Sierra Leone to reconsider its approach and instead enlist Koroma’s assistance in strengthening democracy in the country and the region.

The Foundation noted that Koroma is a well-respected defender of democracy and a member of its Advisory Board. It highlighted his exemplary record of peacefully handing over power to his opponents and his leadership of election-observation missions across Africa.

“But we are equally concerned that the authorities should not seek to further destabilise the country by engaging in a witchhunt, which is what is taking place with the summoning of former president Koroma by the police.” the statement said. Instead of subjecting him to questioning, The Brenthurst Foundation urge the government to tap into his expertise and experience to help strengthen democracy in Sierra Leone and the region.

The Foundation’s statement comes amid growing criticism of the government’s handling of the coup attempt. Some observers have accused the government of using the incident as an excuse to crack down on dissent and silence critics.

The Brenthurst Foundation’s call for a reconsideration of Koroma’s investigation is likely to add to the pressure on the government to change course. The Foundation is a respected organization with a strong track record of supporting democratic development in Africa.

The government has yet to respond to the Foundation’s statement. However, it is likely to face a difficult task in balancing the need to investigate the coup attempt with the need to avoid further destabilizing the country.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

| 2023-12-17 02:17:41

All I know is two parties stand the chance to rule this Nation,the seed one party saw will surely hunt them over the years .kama is sure .leh we Dae go five years is too short.
| 2023-12-15 16:27:32

Many people think Ernest Bai Kromah will go jail or pay any stupid money to Maada dirty government the time Ernest enter politics that time Maada Bio was protecting Tejan kabba so Ernest have brain more than him i told you guys yesterday Ernest Bai will not pay nothing
| 2023-12-15 14:58:41

It's now so called foundation is taging this whole planned coup against a legitimate government, then you called it a witch hunt, this is madness, what ever foundation you call yourself please stop adding petrol into fire🔥 allow the law to take its roots.
| 2023-12-15 14:46:02

Let wait until he proves him self guity or not guilty before judging him
| 2023-12-15 14:38:38

This organization isn't serious. Let proper investigation be done and all those responsible for the failed coup attempted leading to lost of innocent individual and distabilizing the country's peace be brought to justice. I think the former president Dr. EBK is highly respected by the government of this country that's why during the investigation process he isn't being put in sell just like the others.
| 2023-12-15 14:21:39

Let them give to cesser what belong to cesser period.
| 2023-12-15 14:09:05

Bra dis he dae insie
| 2023-12-15 14:01:40

I pity some of you because you don't know what is involvement in crime which somebody can get himself involved into un knowingly, and this is what has happened to your so called former president. You just patient and see when the evidence is unfolding you will feel pity for mama salone. This has nothing to do with any politics. It is him vs the state which is sovereign. I rest my case
Joseph Momoh | 2023-12-15 12:46:32

Stupid So-called organisation. What a big full statement, do you know what a witch hunt is? EBK will pay for his deals on Earth before appearing before God for further accountability.
| 2023-12-15 12:14:14

One of the most alaki government ever way salone don get den relly Los focus tay den comot na power den nor gt for do wan betteh tin for den self nd even for the country 😂😂
| 2023-12-15 11:51:57

This is not about politics bratine bread trust any how you call yourself, Sierra Leone is bigger than everyone,and no body is above the law,if the anyone violate a law he or she shoy be treated by law
| 2023-12-15 11:22:20

Let them shut up! Those saying that it is the government that is acting the whike show should help tell us why or how the government was able to recruit the likes of Leader Boot, Koita, Swarray etc to act the all show.
| 2023-12-15 10:26:58

EBK sits as one of the advisers in this foundation. EBK had to pay money in to the Brenthurst Foundation to be recognised. Brenthurst Foundation is therefore compromised in this instance. It's a one sided interest and not for sierra leone.
| 2023-12-15 10:21:35

And who really cares about what mushroom organizations of no value think about ... The identity "International" frightens Sierra Leoneans in no way. They can go to the bin and take a rest.
| 2023-12-15 10:08:33

There is no sacred lanb neither there be any one above the law. Being a member of the so called foundation does not have anything to do with the laws of Sierra Leone. If evidencies are clearly indicating that he was involved in the attempted coup, why not treating him as required by law. This is Sierra Leone a sovereign state governmed by laws. When garve offences are said to have been committed grave consequences must befall the culprits regardless of who the culprits are. It has nothing to do with destabilizing the peace in the country. In fact they are the cause of the country's fragile peace since 2018.
| 2023-12-15 10:07:50

Total witch-hunt bring the country backward targeting people who have done better than you misdirection
| 2023-12-15 10:03:30

Perfectly said!
| 2023-12-15 10:02:34

Bio and his cohort will surely pay for this nonese attitude
Mustapha | 2023-12-15 09:59:12

This foundation statement is class as reckless.
| 2023-12-15 09:59:01

This fake Fondation is not serious. I know they have taken money from ERNEST TO write what they wrote. But you are not the right organization to tell government what to do.
| 2023-12-15 09:53:43

So far this is the best post seen here. From so many angles it looks like what is described from above. If we leaders can join forces together our country and it people will be top of so many others. Let Encourage peace it the best we need as a key tool to national development not the political systems of the 60s.
| 2023-12-15 09:44:14

But people should remember that, he has said it before. I am coming back for ALL of them during his last campaign . This has nothing to do with over throwing him. It's all about targeting individuals and destabilising the country. And you should also remember, his wife did say ( WE GO BOBOR DEM ALL ). We all know what it means from where we come from. What a shame 🫠. 🤔😪😪
| 2023-12-15 09:37:33

Who is the government ?.
| 2023-12-15 09:36:34

Dis na fake org.Na apc organization.Please ina shutup
Sallu kpaka Rogers | 2023-12-15 09:35:55

In your small mindset how can government will overcrowded him self by using opposition government need to bound this type of organization in this country
| 2023-12-15 09:35:25

Oooh salone , my question here is that these two parties (country and individual) which one come FIRST (1).
Idrissa Kamara | 2023-12-15 09:34:24

The government is the one that responsible for all the fim they are playing
Fatima | 2023-12-15 09:19:36

Indeed 👍
| 2023-12-15 09:19:11

This government is responsible for what is happening in Sierra Leone 🇸🇱🇸🇱 Lost of focus.