The Court of Appeal in Sierra Leone has issued an arrest warrant for the opposition candidate, the runner-up in this year’s presidential elections. The warrant is based on suspicion of corruption related to the sale of government shares in a mining company, as outlined in an official statement.
Samuel Kamara assumed the role of the All People’s Congress Party (APC) candidate in two pivotal instances – firstly, during the 2018 elections and subsequently, in the June contest. In both electoral periods, his candidacy represented the opposition, showcasing his enduring commitment to the political landscape of Sierra Leone under the APC banner.
In 2021, Samuel Kamara faced indictment on charges of alleged corruption about a distinct issue during his tenure as the foreign minister. Presently, the trial is in progress, and he vehemently refutes any allegations of wrongdoing.
On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal issued a directive for the arrest of Samuel Kamara, instructing his handover to the anti-corruption commission. This measure is in connection to an investigation into a questionable transaction related to the 2012 sale of government shares in Sierra Rutile Limited, a local mining company. It is noteworthy that Kamara held the position of finance minister during the period under scrutiny.
Despite efforts by Samuel Kamara’s legal team to contest the commission’s allegations, asserting a lack of evidence, the appeal faced dismissal from judges. The decision was grounded in the absence of documentation about the sale and the assertion that the former government, at that time, was not cognizant of the transaction.