A wave of coups seems to have swept through African nations this year, raising concerns and prompting Sierra Leone’s recent summons of former President Ernest Bai Koroma for questioning. Information Minister Chernor Bah announced this development, shedding light on a potential link to a failed coup attempt on November 26. The country appears to be teetering on the edge, as it’s rained coups in neighboring regions.
Koroma has been called upon to appear at the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters in Freetown within a day, a request he’s agreed to honor. His stance remains steadfast, expressed in a statement affirming his willingness to support the police inquiries and advocating for the paramountcy of the rule of law in their democratic system. Urging calm among the populace, Koroma’s proactive approach towards cooperation is evident.
The attempted seizure involved gunmen attacking various locations in Sierra Leone—military barracks, a prison, and more—resulting in the liberation of roughly 2,200 inmates and the tragic loss of over 20 lives. Authorities later attributed this brazen act to an overthrow endeavor targeting the government, allegedly orchestrated primarily by the former president’s bodyguards. In response to the incident, Koroma swiftly denounced the attacks in a public statement.
As investigations persist, Minister Bah disclosed that a total of 71 individuals have been apprehended, comprising 45 active military personnel, seven serving police officers, and 13 civilians. This ongoing probe aims to untangle the complex web surrounding the failed coup.
Meanwhile, there are fervent hopes that Nigeria, amidst its own challenges and hardships, remains insulated from the turmoil plaguing its neighboring countries. The apprehension lingers that this unsettling trend might extend its reach into further chaos.
