LIVE UPDATES
Sierra Leonean authorities have taken a significant step in their investigation into the alleged attempted coup last week by summoning former President Ernest Bai Koroma for questioning. The ex-president, who governed the West African nation for 11 years until 2018, is required to appear at the criminal investigations department in the capital, Freetown, within the next 24 hours, as confirmed by officials from the information ministry.
The government's move follows a brazen assault on November 26, where armed attackers targeted a military armoury, two barracks, two prisons, and two police stations. The assailants engaged in fierce clashes with security forces during the early hours of the morning, marking a significant and alarming incident that prompted swift action from the authorities.
The investigation aims to unravel the circumstances surrounding the attempted coup and shed light on any potential involvement or knowledge that the former president may have had in the destabilizing events. President Koroma's summoning underscores the seriousness of the situation and the government's commitment to a thorough inquiry into the alleged coup plot.
Sierra Leone, a country with a complex political history, is navigating a delicate moment as it addresses the aftermath of the audacious attack. The questioning of a former head of state adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding events, with implications that extend beyond the immediate investigation, potentially shaping the nation's political landscape in the days to come.
