First conviction in Sierra Leone coup attempt: Court-martial verdict

A Sierra Leone court-martial has handed down its first verdict in connection with what authorities have described as an attempted coup last November, as confirmed by a government spokesperson to AFP on Wednesday.

According to Ministry of Defence spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Issa Bangura, Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma pleaded guilty to nine charges during the court-martial proceedings and was subsequently sentenced to 30 years in prison on Monday.

Among the charges faced by Koroma were “conspiracy to commit mutiny, mutiny, failure to suppress mutiny, aiding the enemy, communicating with the enemy, stealing public service or property, and conduct to the prejudice of military discipline,” Lieutenant Colonel Issa Bangura explained.

Koroma’s conviction marks the first among 27 individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged coup plot who are currently undergoing trial.

The incident in question occurred on November 26, when armed assailants launched attacks on a military armoury, two barracks, two prisons, and two police stations, engaging in clashes with security forces.

The violence resulted in the deaths of twenty-one individuals and the escape of numerous prisoners before authorities managed to regain control, attributing the events to a coup attempt orchestrated by elements within the armed forces.

Following the clashes, at least 80 individuals, primarily military personnel, were arrested in connection with the incident.

Former Sierra Leone president Ernest Bai Koroma has also been implicated in the coup attempt, facing charges of treason and other offenses.

In January, Koroma was granted permission by judicial authorities to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment.

Although his trial was scheduled to resume in Sierra Leone on March 27, his legal team has stated that the former president remains in Nigeria at present.

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