By Freetown, Sierra Leone – A military court in Sierra Leone has handed down lengthy prison sentences to 24 soldiers for their involvement in a failed coup attempt against the government of President Julius Maada Bio last November. The sentences, which range from 50 to 120 years in prison, were delivered late on Friday as the court sought to impose severe penalties on those convicted of the serious charges.
The convicted soldiers were among 27 individuals who were court-martialed for their participation in the November 26 coup attempt, during which armed men attacked military barracks, two prisons, and other strategic locations across the capital. The coordinated assault resulted in the freeing of approximately 2,200 inmates and the deaths of more than 20 people.
The court’s decision follows a violent crackdown in July, during which 11 civilians, as well as police and prison officers, were killed in connection with the insurrection. The sentencing represents the culmination of a significant military trial that has drawn national attention.
A seven-member military jury found the majority of the court-martialed soldiers guilty on multiple counts, including mutiny, murder, aiding the enemy, and stealing public or private property. After hours of deliberation, the jury delivered a unanimous verdict, resulting in a total of 88 charges being upheld.
Among those sentenced, one of the most notable cases involved a lieutenant colonel who was found guilty of leading the coup effort and received the heaviest sentence of 120 years in prison. The court’s decision highlights the severity with which the Sierra Leonean military views acts of insubordination and attempts to destabilize the government.
Before delivering the sentences, Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba, a former military officer, emphasized the importance of upholding discipline within the military ranks. “When we reach this conclusion for sentences, it is to send a message of zero tolerance for such an act in the military,” Ngegba stated, underscoring the court’s intention to deter any future attempts at insurrection.
Of the 27 soldiers tried, one was acquitted, while another had already been sentenced earlier after pleading guilty. The trial of the final defendant is set to conclude at a later date.
As the sentences were read out, family members of the convicted soldiers expressed their anguish outside the courtroom, where emotions ran high.
This high-profile court-martial comes in the aftermath of a closely contested election in which President Bio narrowly secured a second term. His victory was heavily disputed by the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party, which, alongside some regional and international observers, raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
The trial and subsequent sentencing have become a focal point of national discussion, reflecting the deep political and social divisions in Sierra Leone as the country navigates its post-conflict recovery.
Reuters
