Ministry of Defense/Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces Commence Court Martial Pre-Trial of 27 Military Personnel
In a press release as stated below
The public is hereby informed that a Court Martial Pre-trial Session of 27 RSLAF Personnel commenced at Court No. 1 Main Law Court Building, Siaka Stevens Street, Freetown, on Monday 8th January 2024. This follows the completion of Commanding Officers' Investigations (COI) of the accused Persons.
The accused RSLAF Personnel were charged with various offences for their alleged roles in the 26th November 2023 failed coup d'etat. The charges include but are not limited to Mutiny, Failure to suppress mutiny, Murder, Aiding the enemy, Communicating with the enemy and other relevant offences.
The Min. of Defence & the Republic of #SierraLeone Armed Forces have commenced a Court Martial Pre-trial of 27 Military personel linked to the Nov. 26 2023 failed coup attempt & dishonourably discharged 48 other Military personel for subversive activities. #SaloneTwitter #SaloneX pic.twitter.com/L93ZnSspXm
— Ministry of Information and Civic Education MOICE (@MoiceComm) January 8, 2024
On another note, consistent with the Armed Forces existing policies, the public is further informed that the MoD/RSLAF have completed investigations of 48 R$LAF Personnel and compulsorily Discharged all 48, for being active members of an illegal WhatsApp Group known as the JOINT KALAMERA PEACE AND SECURITY NETWORK (JKPSN). The MoD/RSLAF rules strictly prohibit Serving Personnel from participating in any pressure group or engaging in critical political discussions.
The said group members, were engaged in subversive activities geared towards unseating the democratically elected Government of His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the RSLAF, Brigadier General (Retired) Dr Julius Maada Bio.
This constitutes a blatant violation of the Oath of Allegiance, RSLAF Rules, Regulations and Policies. It has also been established that the actions and behavior of those involved as active members of the illegal WhatsApp group adversely impacted on the operational effectiveness of the RSLAF and potentially damaged command trust, management and leadership relationship.
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education in collaboration with the MoD/RSLAF Public Relations and Information Unit, will continue to provide updates on the Court Martial proceedings and the administrative discharge procedures accordingly.