Government Confirms Full Security Protection for Former President Ernest Bai Koroma
Salamatu Y. Kamara The Government of Sierra Leone has reaffirmed that former President Ernest Bai Koroma will receive full state protection and can move freely around the country without restriction.
This statement was made by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah Liberty, during a live broadcast on Liberty Online TV.
Bah explained that the State Protection Service, set up to provide high-level security for the Head of State, Vice President and other VIPs, is now assigned to the former president Koroma as part of his entitlement, adding that he will continue to benefit from his entitlement as a former head of state.
Addressing public concerns about Koroma’s movement, Bah said the former president is “a free man” and “he is free to go about his normal business.” However, because he remains a “high-value person” and “fountain of honour of this country,” he will continue to receive protection even when visiting public places like markets or shopping malls.
Bah officially welcomed Koroma back to the country, saying he will now enjoy his full rights as an elder statesman.
The clarification comes after Koroma’s return to Sierra Leone following 2 years and 6 months abroad.
The government previously announced in July that it would no longer pursue charges against him and welcomed him back as an elder statesman.