Nigeria Returns Ex-President Koroma to Sierra Leone After Over Two Years

By Peter Emmanuel |

The Federal Government has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to the country after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.

Koroma returned to Freetown on the instruction of Bola Tinubu, with Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu accompanying him on the journey.

Bianca said the former president’s return marked the conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process aimed at promoting peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.

Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) over political developments in Sierra Leone.

Nigeria said the relocation was part of efforts to create conditions for dialogue and reduce tensions while broader engagements involving regional and national stakeholders continued.

The former president’s return comes after more than two years in Nigeria, where he remained during the diplomatic process.

Koroma’s Relocation Followed ECOWAS Peace Efforts

Bianca said Koroma’s temporary relocation to Nigeria followed engagements by ECOWAS aimed at strengthening peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.

According to her, the arrangement provided an opportunity for greater understanding between Koroma and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.

She said the process contributed to creating the conditions that allowed Koroma to stay temporarily in Nigeria while efforts to address outstanding political issues continued.

“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Bianca said.

The minister said Nigeria, ECOWAS and other stakeholders maintained engagements throughout Koroma’s stay in the country.

She added that the sustained diplomatic efforts contributed to resolving the issues that had necessitated the former president’s relocation.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Stability

Bianca expressed appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation throughout the process.

She said the successful conclusion of the process demonstrated the importance of dialogue and regional cooperation in addressing political tensions.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability across West Africa.

She expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would contribute to strengthening national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined Bianca in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.

The return brings to a close Koroma’s more than two-year temporary stay in Nigeria and marks another step in efforts to promote political stability and reconciliation in Sierra Leone.