Nigeria brokers return of Ernest Bai Koroma, ex-Sierra Leone leader 

The Nigerian government has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma to his home country, following sustained diplomatic engagements aimed at resolving outstanding political issues in the West African nation.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement signed by Oluwafemi Adeniyi, its spokesperson.

According to the ministry, the return was undertaken on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, with Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs,  accompanying Koroma to Sierra Leone.

The development brings to an end Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria, where he had been based since January 2024 following a series of regional diplomatic interventions and confidence-building efforts led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The ministry said the interventions were undertaken under the chairmanship of President Tinubu as part of efforts to address political tensions in Sierra Leone and promote peace, national cohesion and democratic stability.

“While in Nigeria, the former president was accorded all privileges befitting his status as a former Head of State,” the ministry said.

It explained that Koroma’s stay in Nigeria enabled him to participate fully in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving outstanding issues surrounding his situation.

The government said the progress recorded through the diplomatic engagements provided sufficient grounds for Nigeria to facilitate his return home.

“Government of Nigeria considered it had sufficient basis for his safe and dignified return to his country,” the ministry said.

Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, had relocated to Nigeria amid heightened political tensions in Sierra Leone following the disputed circumstances surrounding an alleged attempted coup in November 2023.

His return comes after months of diplomatic efforts involving Sierra Leone, ECOWAS and other stakeholders to create conditions for a peaceful resolution to the issues surrounding the former president.

Nigeria commended the role played by ECOWAS, the Sierra Leonean government and other stakeholders in creating the conditions that made Koroma’s return possible.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs particularly praised Julius Maada Bio, Sierra Leonean President, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for what it described as their goodwill, cooperation and commitment to reaching an understanding.

“Nigeria acknowledges and commends the constructive and sustained engagement of relevant stakeholders, including ECOWAS, the Government of Sierra Leone and other well-meaning actors, in facilitating the conditions necessary for the return of President Koroma home,” the statement said.

The ministry expressed optimism that Koroma’s return would contribute to reconciliation and political stability in Sierra Leone.

“Nigeria is confident that this development will foster national reconciliation, advance stability and consolidate democratic peace in Sierra Leone,” it said.

The government further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace, constitutional order, political stability and development across West Africa.

The development also underscores Nigeria’s continuing diplomatic role in addressing political and security challenges within the region, particularly through ECOWAS-led interventions and dialogue.

Nigeria said it would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening democratic institutions, regional harmony and stability across the West African sub-region.