Makeni, SIERRA LEONE – Life in Makeni continued undisturbed yesterday, even as the former President, Ernest Bai Koroma, was called in for questioning in connection with the alleged “failed attempted coup.”
In the mid-afternoon hours, the ex-president discreetly left his residence in Rogbureh, accompanied by members of his legal team and a contingent of state security personnel, including police and military officers, adhering to established protocol.
This unplanned trip to the CID Headquarters in Freetown was undertaken by the former president to demonstrate his respect for the laws of the state, emphasizing that the laws of Sierra Leone supersede every citizen.
During his stay in Freetown, the former president, who served two uninterrupted terms as democratically elected president, has promised to cooperate with the ongoing state investigation into the failed attempted coup, which followed an attack at the military Armory in Wilberforce, Freetown, on November 26th.
The invitation for questioning came from a team of security personnel led by the Sierra Leone Police, who instructed him to report to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) within 24 hours.
In response to the invitation, the ex-president called for calm in a press statement issued on Thursday, December 7.
While the press statement and the initial public notice released by Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, evoked mixed feelings and reactions, particularly at Ataya bases and other public places in Makeni, there was a prevailing sense of relative peace and tranquillity throughout the day, as observed by Awoko Newspaper representatives.
Normal life proceeded on the main streets, and the security personnel stationed at the entrance gate of former President Koroma’s residence warmly welcomed representatives from Awoko Newspaper during a brief assessment of the situation. The city maintained its usual rhythm, signaling resilience and stability in the face of unfolding events.
The APC party Secretary General Lawyer Lansana Dumbuya has also authored a press release saying “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 …”
ARW/8/12/2023