A military court in Sierra Leone has dished out heavy prison sentences to 24 soldiers involved in a failed attempt to overthrow President Julius Maada Bio last November. It seems that coups are becoming the latest trend across the continent, almost as if democracy is an outdated fashion choice that African countries are eager to discard. But can you blame them? The brand of democracy practiced here is so different from the textbook definition that it makes you wonder if we even understand what democracy truly means.
Late on Friday, the sentences were announced, with the judge handing out prison terms ranging from a staggering 50 to 120 years. These soldiers were part of a group of 27 who were court-martialed for their roles in the failed coup on November 26. That day, gunmen launched coordinated attacks on military barracks, two prisons, and other key locations, resulting in the release of approximately 2,200 inmates and the deaths of more than 20 people.
This latest round of sentencing follows the July imprisonment of 11 civilians, police officers, and prison staff who were also involved in the insurrection. A military jury of seven members, after hours of deliberation, delivered a unanimous guilty verdict against most of the soldiers. The charges were extensive, totaling 88 counts, including mutiny, murder, aiding the enemy, and theft of public or military property.
Interestingly, all but one of those convicted were lower-ranking soldiers. The exception was a lieutenant colonel, who received the harshest sentence of 120 years. Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, who has military experience himself, made it clear that these sentences were meant to send a strong message: the military has zero tolerance for such acts.
Out of the remaining three soldiers, one was acquitted, another had already been sentenced after pleading guilty, and the third’s trial is set to conclude later. The courtroom was filled with the bitter cries of the convicts’ family members as the lengthy sentences were read aloud.
This failed coup attempt came on the heels of a controversial election, where President Bio narrowly secured a second term. His victory was hotly contested by the main opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC), and even some local and international observers questioned the fairness of the election. It seems Sierra Leone’s democracy, like many others on the continent, is navigating troubled waters.
