Statement by The Brenthurst Foundation on the Summoning of Former President Koroma for Questioning

We have read with concern that the former president of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, has been summoned to police headquarters for questioning “on the failed coup attempt” in that country.

This follows the deplorable attempt by armed gunmen to break into Sierra Leone’s key armoury and the break in to a prison in which some 2000 inmates are said to have been released.

The legitimate, elected government of Sierra Leone is rightly concerned at these events as are we following a series of assaults on elected government by unelected military assailants who claim to be ‘restoring democracy’ in West Africa. It is notable that democracy has not been restored in these countries and that they now face growing misery without of accountability which democracy provides.

But we are equally concerned that the authorities should not seek to further destabilise the country by engaging in a witchhunt, which is what is taking place with the summoning of former president Koroma by the police.

We know former President Koroma as a defender of democracy. He is a member of The Brenthurst Foundation Advisory Board. He is notably one of the outstanding leaders who has relinquished power to opponents peacefully in the interests of entrenching democracy. He has led election-observation missions across the African continent with great distinction.

We believe him to be a man of integrity and standing and find it hard to believe that he would be involved in or support the undermining of democracy in Sierra Leone.

We ask that the government of Sierra Leone reconsider its approach and, instead of subjecting former President Koroma to questioning, enlist him to help strengthen democracy in that country and in the region.

Greg Mills

Director

The Brenthurst Foundation

For further information, contact Henry Sands at henry.sands@sabistrategy.com