The Government of Sierra Leone has officially discontinued the criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, bringing an end to the treason case linked to the alleged November 2023 coup attempt. The development was announced in a public notice issued on Tuesday by the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice.

According to the notice, the Attorney-General filed a notice to discontinue the proceedings pursuant to Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, in exercise of the powers granted to the office under the laws of Sierra Leone. Following the filing of the notice, the matter is no longer before the courts.

Former President Koroma had been charged with offences relating to treason and misprision of treason and was granted bail on medical grounds. The Attorney-General’s notice stated that following the discontinuance of the proceedings, his bail ceased to have effect.

The notice further stated that Dr. Koroma is free to return to Sierra Leone upon completion of his medical treatment abroad or at any time of his choosing.

The discontinuance brings an end to the legal proceedings that began after Dr. Koroma was charged in January 2024 in connection with the alleged coup attempt.

The Attorney-General’s Office did not provide further details on the reasons behind the decision to discontinue the prosecution.