Koroma returns to Sierra Leone after treason charges are withdrawn

Former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown after more than two years in Nigeria, following the withdrawal of treason charges brought against him over a failed coup attempt.

Koroma left Nigeria on Sunday morning in the company of former Nigerian Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, as well as Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of foreign affairs.

The former Sierra Leonean president, who governed the country from 2007 to 2018, was charged with treason following an attempted coup in November 2023.

He subsequently relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 under an arrangement reportedly facilitated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with his exile understood to have formed part of efforts to resolve the political crisis and secure the withdrawal of the charges.

The Sierra Leonean government announced in July that criminal proceedings against Koroma had been discontinued.

The office of the attorney-general subsequently confirmed that the case was no longer before the court, clearing the way for Koroma to return home.

Mohamed Jalloh, Sierra Leone’s vice-president, had on Friday announced that Koroma would return to the country as part of efforts to promote peace and national cohesion.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the return followed sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to resolve the circumstances surrounding Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Sunday by Magnus Eze, her media aide, the minister said the former president had conducted himself with restraint throughout the period.

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

She expressed appreciation to President Julius Bio, Koroma and the Sierra Leonean authorities for their cooperation and commitment to maintaining peace.

Jonathan also welcomed Koroma’s return, saying discussions involving the relevant parties had promoted dialogue with Sierra Leonean authorities and helped establish the conditions for his return.

In a separate statement, the former Nigerian president said he was pleased to see Koroma return to Freetown after more than two years away from his country.

Jonathan expressed hope that the former president’s return would usher in a period of renewed hope and reconciliation in Sierra Leone.

Koroma’s return brings to an end his prolonged stay in Nigeria, which began shortly after the November 2023 coup attempt and the subsequent treason proceedings against him.

The development also comes amid efforts by Sierra Leonean authorities and regional stakeholders to strengthen political stability and national cohesion following the unrest.

Koroma’s departure from Nigeria was facilitated by senior Nigerian officials and former presidents, underscoring the regional diplomatic efforts that preceded his return.

The former president now returns to Sierra Leone after the legal proceedings against him were discontinued, with authorities having declared him free to return to the country.