Freetown, Sierra Leone – July 14, 2026
In a significant development that could pave the way for his return from exile, Sierra Leone’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice has formally discontinued all criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma.
The Public Notice, issued today, states that the Attorney-General filed a notice under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, to drop the charges.
The decision was made in accordance with powers conferred by Sierra Leonean law. As a direct result, the proceedings are no longer before the courts, and Koroma’s bail, previously granted on medical grounds, has ended with immediate effect. The notice explicitly states that the former president “is therefore free to return to Sierra Leone upon the completion of his medical treatment or at any time of his choosing.”
Koroma, who served as President of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, had been charged in January 2024 with four offences, including treason and misprision of treason, in connection with a failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023. He was also accused of two counts of harboring individuals allegedly involved in the plot. Koroma has consistently denied any involvement in the events, which authorities described as an attempt to overthrow the government of President Julius Maada Bio.
The 72-year-old former leader, who was born in Makeni in northern Sierra Leone and rose through the ranks of the All People’s Congress (APC) party, left the country shortly after being charged, traveling to Nigeria for medical treatment. His departure was permitted by a High Court ruling despite the pending charges.
Background and Political Context
Ernest Bai Koroma, a former insurance executive, led Sierra Leone through two terms focused on post-civil war reconstruction, democratic reforms, and infrastructure development. His administration was credited with notable progress in governance and stability following the country’s brutal 11-year civil war that ended in 2002.
The 2023 coup attempt occurred amid heightened political tensions following disputed elections in 2023. Several individuals, including a former bodyguard of Koroma, were convicted in connection with the events. Koroma’s case had become a focal point of political division, with supporters viewing the charges as politically motivated and opponents insisting on accountability.
Recent reports indicated that dropping the charges was a key condition for facilitating Koroma’s return, with negotiations reportedly involving regional diplomatic efforts during President Bio’s visits to Nigeria and Ghana.
Reactions and Implications
The move is expected to ease political tensions in Sierra Leone and could allow Koroma to resume a more active role in public life or within the APC, where he remains an influential figure.
This announcement marks a dramatic turn in one of Sierra Leone’s most high-profile legal cases in recent years, potentially closing a contentious chapter and opening the door for the former president’s homecoming.
