By alhajim.kamara@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – Former President Ernest Bai Koroma, along with the All Peoples Congress (APC) party, has appealed for calm among their supporters in response to an invitation extended to the former President by the Sierra Leone Police. The invitation is linked to the attempted foiled coup on November 26th, 2023, which led to the arrest of both serving and former military and police officers.
In a press release issued less than two hours after the Ministry of Information and Civic Education informed the public about the police invitation, the Former President called for calm on the same day, emphasizing the need for a peaceful process. The release from the Office of the former president stated that he would honour the invitation and make himself available to support the investigation process. Former President Koroma expressed his commitment to maintaining an open mind and standing ready to fully cooperate with the police investigations, stating, “Let the rule of law reign supreme in our democracy.”
The release further appealed for calm, public support for the police investigation, and adherence to the due process of the law. Similarly, the APC, in a release signed by their Secretary General, Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya, informed their membership and the general public about the former Chairman and Leader’s invitation by the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Sierra Leone Police. The invitation is related to the November 26th, 2023, security breach.
“The Party leadership stands in full support and solidarity with the former President and therefore aligns with him in calling for calm and caution throughout this process and will continue to update the public,” the APC release stated. It assured the public of their condemnation of the violent incident and called for a speedy, impartial, and fair investigation.
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor A Bah, issued a public notice assuring that they would continue to keep the public informed on issues related to the investigation. The calls for calm from both the former President and the APC underscore the importance of maintaining peace and allowing due process to unfold in the ongoing investigations. AMK/8/12/2023