Sierra Leone Roundup: CJ replaced, Mayor's home raided, former president summoned

Deputy Mayor's residence raided

A convoy of twenty trucks carrying armed army officials and OSD officers conducted a raid on the residence of Freetown's Deputy Mayor Kweku Lisk in the early hours of Monday at Hill Top South Ridge, off Hill Station. The security forces searched Deputy Mayor Lisk's residence upon suspicion related to ammunition and escapees from an alleged recent coup and prison break, Cocorioko has reported.

Chief Justice replaced

Sierra Leone's Chief Justice, Babatunde Edwards, has reportedly been asked by President Maada Bio to proceed on immediate leave. While the reasons for this impromptu action remain undisclosed, Justice Nicholas Brown–Marke, the most senior judge of the Supreme Court, has been appointed in an acting capacity, Cocorioko reports. Renowned analyst and lawyer, Sorie Sengbe Marrah, expressed concerns about potential compromises within the judiciary, lamenting that it seems to have conceded its independence to the executive branch. “The judiciary sadly appears to have sold its birthright to the executive for the proverbial porridge (coco-ebeh). It would take a legal Moses to lift the Executive’s knees off the neck of our justice system,” he wrote.

Former President Koroma grilled by CID

Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma, in office from 2007 to 2018, faced questioning at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Freetown. The police inquiry revolved around an armed attack suspected by the government to be linked to an attempt to overthrow the Bio-led government on November 26, 2023, the Sierra Leone Telegraph reports. Accompanied by legal representation, including former Attorney General Joseph F Kamara, Koroma emphasized an open-minded approach, trusting in due process and the rule of law to prevail. “As a follow-up to the regrettable and tragic events of November 26, which I vehemently condemn, I travelled to Freetown last evening in response to a police invitation. This morning, I reported to the Criminal Investigation Department for interrogation. I have returned home after the interview with the police, who were professional in their interaction. The interview is set to continue tomorrow. As expressed in my public statements, I maintain an open mind, place my trust in due process and the rule of law to prevail. Profound thanks to all well-wishers for their support,” Koroma wrote on his X account.

Funeral for soldiers killed in attempted coup

President Julius Maada Bio joined mourners at the inter-faith funeral service for 18 security personnel killed during the purported attempted coup in Freetown on November 26, 2023. Addressing the nation, President Bio expressed profound grief and unity, highlighting the bravery of the fallen officers who stood against treachery, The Sierra Leone Telegraph reports. He pledged that their sacrifice would not be in vain, acknowledging the pain felt collectively as a nation. “Today, we stand united in grief. We stand not just as mourners but as bearers of a sacred duty, a solemn responsibility to honour our fallen comrades. Their attackers, in their cowardly and selfish acts, sought not only to subvert our democracy but to shatter the trust of our people, the trust in our Military and Police Officers, and the trust in our nation…As your Commander-In-Chief, I feel this tragedy’s weight, burden, and sorrow. These Officers were my responsibility, my brothers in arms, my family in service. The pain of losing these brave officers is our collective pain as a nation. It is the pain of a mother losing her son, a sibling losing a brother, a child losing a father, a wife losing a husband, and a friend losing a dear friend,” the president said.

Assurance of fuel availability during Christmas

The Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) reassured the public of ample petroleum product stocks extending beyond the festive season. In a press release, PRA dismissed speculation or panic buying tendencies, affirming that pump prices would remain unchanged at SLL 30 per litre throughout Sierra Leone, Politico SL reports. The agency attributed queues at some retail outlets to routine pipeline maintenance, assuring the public that the situation had been addressed, and petroleum products were being efficiently distributed. PRA has further warned against illegal hoarding activities threatening potential license cancellations for offenders.