Freetown, Sierra Leone — The Court Martial Board, established in January to oversee the trials of military personnel involved in last year’s failed coup attempt, is set to dissolve today, 20 August 2024.
The board’s dissolution follows the conclusion of the trial of Lance Corporal Abu Bakarr Koroma, also known as “Opanday,” marking the end of proceedings against the first group of 27 accused soldiers.
The Court Martial has been a critical component in addressing the crimes committed during the November 26, 2023, coup attempt, during which several military and civilian targets were attacked.
The coup led to the deaths of 18 security personnel and two civilians, and the release of over 2,200 inmates from the country’s major custodial facilities.
Lance Corporal Koroma’s trial, which was briefly delayed due to his collapse in court on August 8, will conclude tomorrow. Medical evidence presented during the trial revealed that Koroma suffers from epilepsy.
This led to a successful application by the prosecution to sever his case from the main trial involving Staff Sergeant Alhaji Koroma and 26 others, allowing him to receive medical treatment before his trial could proceed.
Colonel MBS Kamara, Director of Defence Legal at the Ministry of Defence, indicated that the current Court Martial members are unlikely to be part of the next board. A new Court Martial Board is expected to be constituted by next month to try the second group of 15 military personnel, including five fugitive officers who were arrested and extradited from Guinea in June.
These officers are among those accused of subversion against the state in July last year, many of whom either escaped custody or went into hiding following the coup. The arrests and subsequent trials are part of ongoing efforts by the government to bring those responsible for the attempted overthrow to justice.
The November 26 coup attempt, which involved both retired and active military personnel, has left a lasting impact on Sierra Leone.
The coup not only resulted in significant loss of life but also destabilized the country’s security forces. The government has posthumously promoted the fallen security personnel, acknowledging their sacrifice during the attack.
As the first phase of military trials concludes, the focus now shifts to the upcoming proceedings, which will continue to address the aftermath of last year’s violence and reinforce the rule of law within the Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
