Kadiatu A Turay
A Court Martial in Sierra Leone sentenced six military personnel to lengthy prison terms for their involvement in subversive activities aimed at overthrowing President Julius Maada Bio. The ruling, delivered on February 12th, 2025, follows months of legal proceedings that found the officers guilty of mutiny, desertion, and failure to suppress mutiny.
The convicted officers Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay, Major Juana Kabbah, Major Foday Sumana Kamara, Major Ibrahim Abu Bakarr Bangura, Lieutenant Zainab Amara Suwu, and Corporal Mohamed Koroma were linked to two failed coup attempts on July 29 and November 26, 2023.
The first attempt was thwarted weeks after President Bio’s re-election on June 24, 2023. The second, more violent, coup attempt saw armed assailants storming security facilities, leading to the deaths of 18 security personnel and two civilians. Some of the accused, who had been detained for their roles in the July plot, escaped during the November attack and rejoined the insurgents.
Verdict and Sentencing
The court sentenced Major Sesay and Corporal Koroma to 75 years each, while Major Kabbah and Major Kamara received 60 years each. Major Bangura and Lieutenant Suwu were sentenced to 50 years each.
Stakeholders’ Reactions
Government and Military
Brigadier General Mohamed Kanu, a senior military officer, hailed the ruling as a victory for national security. “This verdict sends a strong message that any attempt to destabilize the country will be met with the full force of the law. The military remains loyal to the Constitution and the elected government,” he stated.
Attorney General Musa Fofanah also commended the Court Martial, saying, “Justice has prevailed. Those who threaten democracy must face the consequences of their actions.”
Civil Society and Security Experts.
The National Democratic Watch (NDW), a civil society group, emphasized the need for transparency in handling security matters. “While we support accountability, the government must also address underlying issues that lead to discontent within the military,” said NDW’s Executive Director, Isatu Kargbo.
Security analyst Dr. Peter Kamara warned that more vigilance was needed. “This case shows that elements within the security sector still pose a risk. The government must strengthen intelligence gathering to prevent future threats,” he advised.
Opposition Voices.
Some opposition figures raised concerns over the fairness of the trial. Former presidential candidate Samuel Mansaray noted, “The accused deserved a fair process. While we condemn any attempt to overthrow the government, we must ensure that due process is followed in all cases.”
The military court will continue its trials, with another major case set for February 13, 2025, involving Major Bai Sesay and six others accused of leading the bloody November coup. Security remains heightened across the country as authorities monitor potential threats.