Following the attempted coup in Sierra Leone, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) has responded decisively by dismissing 48 personnel, with 27 facing 88 count charges. Colonel Issa Bangura, the Director of Communication and Public Relations Officer of the Ministry of Defence, provided details on the situation.

Colonel Bangura stressed that the involved military personnel had breached ethical standards outlined in a code of conduct. The Ministry of Defence strictly prohibits serving military officers from engaging in illegal military networks or participating in political discourse that could endanger peace and cohesion. The catalyst for these dismissals was the unearthing of an illegal WhatsApp group called “Joint Kalamera Peace and Security Network” (KPSN), created by certain serving military personnel and utilized by the attempted coup plotters for communication.

Operating under both civil and military laws, the RSLAF faces a unique challenge, according to Colonel Bangura. He referred to a joint press release from the previous week and underscored the gravity of the situation. Colonel Bangura recalled briefing journalists in July 2023, where he discussed a joint military force, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police, investigating intelligence related to specific activities by serving military personnel.

During this investigation, an abandoned vehicle registered to Corporal Koroma was found at the joint communication unit of Wilberforce Barracks. A subsequent search revealed a serially arranged list of names belonging to RSLAF military personnel. Additionally, an illegal WhatsApp group owned by civilian Sheka Dumbuya contained a list of the attempted coup plotters. However, Sheka Dumbuya is currently evading authorities, as disclosed by Colonel Bangura.

Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Colonel Bangura clarified that the intent of the serving military personnel, as evidenced by the discovered list and WhatsApp group, was to engage in subversive activities aimed at executing an attempted coup on November 26, 2023. The dismissals and the upcoming court martial proceedings signify a pivotal step in addressing the attempted coup, highlighting the commitment to maintaining discipline within the military ranks.

As Sierra Leone deals with the aftermath of this incident, the government and the RSLAF are conveying a clear message that any departure from ethical standards and involvement in subversive activities will not be tolerated.