In a recent development in Sierra Leone, twenty-four soldiers have been handed lengthy prison sentences, with some facing up to 120 years behind bars. These soldiers were found guilty by a military court for their involvement in an attempted coup against President Julius Maada Bio that took place last year.
The soldiers were convicted by a seven-member jury after an extensive 8-month trial that delved into the events of the foiled coup, which occurred in November. During the coup attempt, a group of armed individuals raided the country's armory in the capital city and also stormed a prison, resulting in the release of over 2,000 inmates. The violent clashes that ensued led to the deaths of 18 security personnel.
Following the incident, authorities apprehended around 80 suspects, with a dozen individuals being formally charged in January. Notably, former president Ernest Bai Koroma was among those charged, although he was later granted medical leave.
The soldiers who were convicted in the recent ruling have been handed varying prison terms, with the most severe sentence of 120 years being given to Lt. Col. Charles James Mishek Yamba, the highest-ranking individual among the convicted soldiers.
The charges against the soldiers included counts of murder, mutiny, communicating with the enemy, and willful damage to public or military property, among others. This verdict comes on the heels of a separate ruling two weeks ago, where 11 civilians were sentenced for their involvement in the coup attempt. The alleged leader of the attack, Amadu Koita Makalo, a former bodyguard of ex-president Ernest Bai Koroma, received a staggering 182-year prison term.
It is worth noting that Ernest Bai Koroma himself was implicated in the incident but was granted medical leave during the legal proceedings. The swift and decisive legal actions taken against those involved in the attempted coup underscore Sierra Leone's commitment to upholding the rule of law and preserving the stability of the nation.
