Failed coup: Police invite former Sierra Leone president for interrogation

Sierra Leone police have invited former President Ernest Bai Koroma for interrogation as part of their probe into the November 26 failed coup attempt, said information minister Chernor Bah in a statement on Thursday.

The statement stated that Koroma was summoned to the Criminal Investigations Department headquarters in Freetown within 24 hours. Koroma stated that he would accept the invitation and urged his supporters to remain calm.

“I maintain an open mind and stand ready to support the police investigations to the fullest. Let the rule of law reign supreme in our democracy”, Koroma said in a statement.

Before the invitation of the former president, about 71 people had been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation, including 45 serving military officers, seven serving police officers, and 13 civilians, information minister Bah added.

Last month, gunmen attacked a military barracks, a prison, and other establishments in Sierra Leone, releasing over 2,200 prisoners and killing more than 20 people in what authorities later described as an effort to topple the government.

The government of the West African nation said the botched coup was led mostly by the former president’s bodyguards.

Koroma denied responsibility and condemned the attacks in a statement shortly after they happened.