Freetown, Sierra Leone – Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, Esq., Lead Counsel for former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, has welcomed the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice’s decision to fully discharge his client from all criminal charges, describing it as a vital step toward national reconciliation.
In an official statement issued today, July 14, 2026, Kamara announced that the Attorney-General has filed a Notice of Discontinuance under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, bringing an immediate end to the long-running proceedings against the former leader.
“Our client, His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has today been formally and fully discharged of all criminal charges previously brought against him,” the statement declared. “This decision serves the interests of national peace, reconciliation, and social cohesion. We welcome the Attorney-General’s exercise of his lawful authority in furtherance of these important national objectives.”
The charges against Dr. Koroma, which included treason and related offenses linked to the failed November 2023 coup attempt, had been a source of significant political tension since they were filed in January 2024. Koroma, who has always maintained his innocence, fully cooperated with authorities throughout the process.
Kamara highlighted his client’s exemplary conduct: “President Koroma has always respected the judicial process, cooperated fully with authorities, and complied with all imposed bail conditions. With the discontinuance, his bail is now discharged, and he is free to return to Sierra Leone at any time of his choosing.”
The lead counsel expressed confidence that the matter is now closed. “We trust that this matter is now closed and that no further legal or extra-legal measures will be pursued against him,” he stated. “Our client looks forward to returning home to continue his contributions to national peace, dialogue, and development, and to spending time with his family.”
Kamara extended thanks on behalf of Dr. Koroma to key stakeholders: “We thank President Bio, the government, people of Sierra Leone, the international community, Co-Counsels and colleagues, who stood with him throughout this ordeal.”
The statement underscores a tone of gratitude and forward-looking optimism. With the legal cloud now lifted, Dr. Koroma — who led Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018 — is expected to make plans to return from Nigeria, where he had been receiving medical treatment while on bail.
This resolution, driven by the Attorney-General’s discretionary powers, is being viewed as a pragmatic effort to promote stability and unity in the West African nation.
