Koroma Sojourns in Nigeria
The High Court of Sierra Leone has granted bail to former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, permitting him to travel to Nigeria for a critical medical examination. This significant development follows a detailed application made by Koroma’s legal representative, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, supported by a compelling medical report and an affidavit sworn to by Saidu Bangura on 12th January 2024.
The bail conditions, initially set on 3rd January 2024, have been varied to allow the former President a temporary reprieve for medical treatment. The court, in its order, stipulates that Koroma is granted leave to be in the Federal Republic of Nigeria for a maximum period of three months, starting from the date of this order. However, the court maintains the requirement for regular medical updates, signed and duly authorized by a specialist doctor, to be provided by his sureties during his absence from Sierra Leone.
In addition to granting bail for medical reasons, the court affirmed that the former President must continue to observe the other terms of the initial bail conditions. This includes compliance with legal proceedings related to the four charges, including treason, that Koroma faces in connection with the November 26th attempted coup.
The decision to allow Koroma’s travel coincides with reports of an ECOWAS proposal for his temporary relocation to Nigeria, a move that the Sierra Leonean government has reportedly rejected. While there is no official confirmation from either the government or Koroma’s representatives regarding the ECOWAS proposal, the court’s ruling aligns with the speculated discussions on this matter.
It’s noteworthy that the charges against Koroma involve several individuals, including former associates and military officers, who are also facing a court martial. The High Court’s decision raises questions about the potential impact of the ECOWAS proposal and ongoing discussions between regional leaders and the Sierra Leonean government.
President Julius Maada Bio’s recent meeting with ECOWAS leaders Macky Sall and Nana Akufo Addo, just before Koroma’s indictment, remains shrouded in secrecy. The visit of Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, last week further underscores the regional engagement surrounding this development.
Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s President for two consecutive terms from 2007 to 2018, has experienced strained relations with President Bio since the latter assumed power in 2018. The High Court’s ruling not only grants a temporary respite for medical reasons but also adds a layer of complexity to the evolving dynamics between the former president, the Sierra Leonean government and the broader ECOWAS context. The ongoing legal proceedings are scheduled to resume on March 6 and Koroma is expected to observe all imposed bail conditions during this period.
