24 Military Personnel Convicted Over Failed Coup in Sierra Leone
A military court in Sierra Leone has convicted 24 military personnel in relation to last year’s failed coup in the West African country. The soldiers were accused of attempting to overthrow the government of President Julius Maada Bio in November last year. The highest-ranking officer among the accused, Lt. Col. Charles Yamba, received the longest sentence of 120 years.
Reports indicated that the convicted soldiers received jail sentences ranging from 50 to 120 years. Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba emphasized that the verdict was reached due to the gravity of the offenses and the importance of maintaining discipline within the military.
The deadly violence that broke out in Freetown on November 26, 2023, resulted in about 20 people killed, including security personnel and a civilian. The assailants attacked military barracks and prisons, freeing around 2,000 inmates. The government described the clashes as an attempted coup.
Military authorities have arrested about 80 suspects, including serving military and police officers, following the incident. Former President Ernest Bai Koroma was charged with four counts in January, including “treason” and “harboring” in connection with the same incident.
Source: Your Source