In a closed-door meeting at State House, a formidable ECOWAS delegation, featuring the presidents of Ghana and Senegal, engaged in discussions with Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and former President Ernest Bai Koroma.
This development was revealed by Umaru Fofana, BBC’s correspondent in Freetown, through a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to Fofana, the high-level delegation meet with President Bio and proceed to meet with Former President Ernest Bai Koroma, currently under house arrest in connection to a failed coup attempt in November.
Fofana reported, “A high-powered ECOWAS delegation, including the presidents of Ghana and Senegal, has held talks with President Julius Maada Bio behind closed doors at State House. Theyโve now arrived at the residence of the former president, Ernest Bai Koroma, whoโs being held under house arrest relating to a failed coup attempt in November.”
The West African leaders, heading the delegation, visited Sierra Leone to establish groundwork for a “security mission” following the alleged coup attempt in November.
The incident involved armed attackers storming military facilities, police stations, and prisons, resulting in 21 casualties and numerous escaped prisoners.
The violent episode raised concerns about a potential wave of coups in West Africa, given recent incidents in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and Guinea since 2020.
Meanwhile, Former President Koroma faces an investigation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for his alleged involvement in the attempted coup. Amidst the turmoil, several of his bodyguards and close associates have been killed or arrested by security forces.
The ex-president maintains his innocence and pledges cooperation with due diligence. Minister of Information, Chernor Bah, confirmed Koroma’s house arrest status.
Very informative