Sierra Leone's ex-president, Ernest Bai Koroma, has been identified as a suspect in the purported "attempted coup" last month, according to the country's Chief of Police, Fayia Sellu. The revelation was made during a press conference where Police Chief Sellu confirmed Koroma's status as a suspect based on a voluntary statement he provided to the police.
Responding to a query from Information Minister Chernor Bah, Chief Sellu stated, "In view of a statement he voluntarily made to the police, he is a suspect." The development adds a significant twist to the unfolding events surrounding the alleged coup, placing the former president in the spotlight.
Authorities had previously disclosed that Ernest Bai Koroma was under confinement at his residence, where he was subjected to questioning. The government's decision to identify him as a suspect raises questions about the nature of his involvement in the alleged coup and the potential ramifications for Sierra Leone's political landscape.
Ernest Bai Koroma, who served as president from 2007 to 2018, holds significant political influence in Sierra Leone. The suspicion surrounding his role in the alleged coup adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing investigations, with potential implications for the nation's stability and political dynamics.
As Sierra Leone awaits further developments in this unfolding situation, the identification of a former president as a suspect underscores the gravity of the allegations and the challenges faced by the country in maintaining political stability. The coming days are likely to provide more insight into the investigation's findings and the potential impact on Sierra Leone's political landscape.