ATTORNEY-GENERAL DROPS TREASON CASE AGAINST FORMER PRESIDENT KOROMA AS RETURN TO SIERRA LEONE CLEARS
By James Kamara-Manneh
The Government of Sierra Leone has formally discontinued the criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, bringing to an end the high-profile treason case that has dominated the country’s political landscape since early 2024.
In a notice filed before the High Court on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice discontinued the prosecution in accordance with Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, exercising the constitutional powers vested in the office of the Attorney-General.
The decision effectively removes all criminal proceedings against the former President, who had been facing charges of treason and misprision of treason in connection with the failed attempted coup of November 26, 2023.
The Attorney-General stated that, following the filing of the notice of discontinuance, the matter is no longer before the court. Consequently, the bail previously granted to Dr. Koroma on medical grounds has ceased to have legal effect with immediate effect.
The Government further stated that former President Koroma is now free to return to Sierra Leone upon the completion of his medical treatment or at any time of his choosing.
Dr. Koroma had been permitted to travel abroad in January 2024 for specialized medical treatment after the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, together with regional and international stakeholders, facilitated arrangements that allowed him temporary relocation while legal proceedings remained pending.
The discontinuance of the case comes amid growing political consultations surrounding the former President’s possible return to Sierra Leone under what ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) officials have described as efforts aimed at promoting national unity, peace and reconciliation.
On Monday, 13 July 2026, a day before the Attorney-General’s announcement, SLPP National Chairman Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa and Deputy National Chairman Robert K. Kargbo convened a meeting with members of the party’s National Elders Council in Freetown.
According to the party, the Elders were briefed on recent discussions involving President Julius Maada Bio, the party’s parliamentary leadership and senior officials concerning parliamentary developments relating to former President Koroma.
Addressing the Elders, Sir Jimmy Batilo Songa said the discussions underscored the need for all parliamentary and governmental actions to remain firmly anchored in the Constitution while advancing national unity, peace and stability.
He reminded members that the SLPP, as the party that led Sierra Leone to independence and later played a key role in restoring peace after the country’s eleven-year civil war, bears a continuing responsibility to safeguard democratic governance and strengthen national cohesion.
The meeting also reflected on Sierra Leone’s obligations under the ECOWAS Revised Treaty and the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, particularly in light of President Bio’s current role as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to the SLPP Chairman, these regional instruments reinforce constitutional governance, democratic principles and the peaceful resolution of political disagreements. He reaffirmed President Bio’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and national cohesion through constitutional and democratic means.
The National Elders Council subsequently called on the SLPP leadership and members both within Sierra Leone and abroad to support the President’s efforts toward inclusive dialogue, reconciliation and national unity.
The Council also referenced President Bio’s previous peacebuilding engagements, including his role during the country’s peace process involving former Revolutionary United Front leader Foday Sankoh, arguing that recent initiatives concerning former President Koroma reflected the President’s continued commitment to reconciliation.
The developments have intensified speculation over the timing of Dr. Koroma’s return to Sierra Leone following more than two years abroad.
While the Government has now removed all legal barriers to his return, the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), of which Dr. Koroma remains a highly influential figure, had not publicly issued an official position on the Attorney-General’s decision or on arrangements for the former President’s return at the time of publication.
Political observers say the discontinuance of the case marks a significant moment in Sierra Leone’s post-election political environment and could open a new chapter in efforts to reduce political tensions between the country’s two major political parties.
The decision is also expected to generate widespread public debate over accountability, reconciliation and the future of bipartisan political engagement as Sierra Leone continues to consolidate democratic governance following the political tensions that followed the June 2023 elections and the November 2023 security incidents.
No further statement has yet been issued by former President Koroma or his legal team regarding his immediate travel plans.
