Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma Granted Political Asylum in Nigeria

Former President Ernest Koroma of Sierra Leone faces a tumultuous turn of events as he seeks refuge in Nigeria amidst serious charges filed against him by his home country. On Wednesday, the Republic of Sierra Leone officially charged Koroma in connection with the failed coup d’etat on November 26, 2023. The charges against him, including treason and harboring, have escalated the political tension surrounding Ernest Bai Koroma.

A public notice released by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, confirmed Koroma’s indictment. The statement highlighted that the ex-president stands accused of four offenses related to his alleged involvement in the attempted coup. However, amidst these charges, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stepped in, securing political asylum for Ernest Koroma in Nigeria to potentially shield him from facing trial in Sierra Leone.

ECOWAS President Omar Alieu Touray penned a letter addressed to President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone, formally requesting the temporary relocation of the former president to Abuja. The letter, co-signed by Presidents Bola Tinubu of Nigeria, Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, and Macky Sall of Senegal, highlights the diplomatic efforts to secure a safe haven for Koroma. The agreement, reached during a high-level ECOWAS delegation’s visit to Freetown on December 23, 2023, culminated in Nigeria’s offer to host Ernest Koroma temporarily.

The former president’s acceptance of Nigeria’s offer will see him departing Freetown on Thursday, January 4, 2024, accompanied by his office manager and personal assistant. This move marks a critical moment in the ongoing political saga surrounding Koroma and reflects ECOWAS’s intervention to mitigate potential repercussions in Sierra Leone.

Legal Charges and Allegations Against Ernest Koroma

Sierra Leone’s decision to charge former President Ernest Bai Koroma follows an intensive investigation into his purported role in the botched coup d’etat of November 2023. The charges, which include treason and misprision of treason, underscore the severity of the allegations against Koroma. The government’s move to officially indict the former leader reflects a significant escalation in the legal proceedings, potentially signaling a challenging legal battle for Koroma.

The charges of harbouring, among others, further complicate Koroma’s predicament, indicating a multifaceted legal challenge ahead. The gravity of these accusations against a former head of state highlights the intensifying political climate in Sierra Leone, prompting international stakeholders to intervene diplomatically.

ECOWAS Intervention: Diplomatic Efforts to Secure Asylum

The involvement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has emerged as a pivotal development in the unfolding saga surrounding Ernest Koroma. The diplomatic mission led by high-profile ECOWAS representatives, including President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Macky Sall of Senegal, resulted in Nigeria’s offer to temporarily host the embattled former president.

ECOWAS’s intervention signifies the regional organization’s commitment to addressing political crises within member states. The collaborative efforts of multiple heads of state, as evident in the joint letter addressed to Sierra Leone’s President Julius Bio, showcase a united front seeking to diffuse tensions and ensure a safe haven for Koroma.

The decision to grant political asylum to Ernest Koroma in Nigeria amplifies the complexities surrounding the legal and political landscape in Sierra Leone. As the former president prepares to depart for Nigeria, the unfolding events pose crucial questions about the implications of ECOWAS’s intervention and the potential ramifications for Sierra Leone’s political stability

Overview of the Coup Attempt

The early morning of November 26, 2023, saw a tumultuous event unfold in Sierra Leone, marked by a failed coup attempt that shook the nation. This significant incident, widely covered by OGM News, involved the culpability of former President Koroma. The chaos sparked a violent attack on a prison facility, resulting in the liberation of approximately 2300 inmates. Tragically, this ill-fated episode claimed the lives of 20 individuals, leaving the country reeling in shock and grappling with the aftermath.