EX-Sierra Leonean President, Koroma, returns home after two years in Nigeria

Former Sierra Leone President, Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to his country after more than two years of temporary stay in  Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, according to a statement, accompanied Koroma to Freetown on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the Minister to accompany Koroma back to Freetown.

The statement which was signed by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, office of the minister of Foreign Affairs, said his return marked the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.

Koroma had relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at promoting peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.

According to the minister, the process helped create conditions for greater understanding between President Julius Maada Bio and the former president, paving the way for Koroma’s temporary stay in Nigeria.

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

The minister noted that during his stay in Nigeria, sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders contributed to resolving issues that had necessitated his relocation.

She expressed appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria remained committed to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability, expressing confidence that Koroma’s return would further strengthen national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.