By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, Sierra Leone – On Monday, October 21, 2024, Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Mohamed Lamin Tarawally, presented damning evidence against six military officers accused of mutiny and plotting to overthrow the government of President Julius Maada Bio. The accused, including Major Patrick Abu Ordende Sesay, Major Juana Kabba, Major Foday Sumana Kamara, Major Ibrahim Abu Bakarr Bangura, Lieutenant Zainab Amara Suwu, and Corporal Mohamed Koroma, are facing eight charges, including mutiny, desertion, and failure to suppress mutiny under the Armed Forces Act of 1961.
In his address before Judge Advocate Mark Ngegba and the court-martial board, Tarawally alleged that the accused officers conspired with a civilian, Sheka Idriss Dumbuya, to form the “Kalamera” group, which planned to overthrow the government. The group reportedly had a military wing called the “Security Network Core,” composed of serving and retired military personnel. The prosecution contended that the accused were actively involved in subversive discussions and coup planning via WhatsApp groups, held secret meetings, and sought to acquire arms from Guinea.
Major Sesay, described as the coup’s military leader, allegedly worked closely with other accused officers to recruit disgruntled soldiers and traveled to Guinea to negotiate with arms dealers. Additionally, the prosecution claims Lieutenant Suwu, Sesay’s girlfriend, promised to act as a spy in the military intelligence unit.
Defense lawyers for the accused argued that the prosecution’s case lacked sufficient evidence and called for fairness, emphasizing that the burden of proof lies with the state. The defense maintained that their clients were innocent, with some claiming they were added to the WhatsApp groups without knowledge of the coup plot.
The trial is set to continue on October 22, 2024, with witness testimonies expected. All accused officers remain in custody.