Peace and National Cohesion Drive Call For Koroma’s Return
The main reason former President of Sierra Leone, Ernest Bai Koroma, was allowed to return home after spending more than two years in Nigeria has been disclosed.
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Mohamed Jalloh, said Koroma’s return was necessary to strengthen peace and national cohesion in the country.
He said the former president’s return would help promote reconciliation and unity, following the criminal proceedings instituted against him over the November 2023 coup attempt.
The coup attempt saw gunmen attack military barracks and a prison in Freetown, freeing about 2,200 inmates and leaving more than 20 people dead.
Koroma, who served as president of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, left the country for Nigeria in January 2024 after being implicated in the alleged coup plot and subsequently placed under investigation.
The Sierra Leonean government discontinued the criminal proceedings against him in July 2026, saying the case was no longer sustainable before the court.
The Vice President also disclosed that Koroma was expected to receive medical attention as part of arrangements surrounding his return.
Following the development, Koroma expressed appreciation to President Julius Maada Bio and other key leaders for their efforts towards peace and national unity.
He reaffirmed the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for continued efforts to promote stability in the country.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, a friend of Koroma, also welcomed his return to Sierra Leone.
In a post on X, Jonathan said Nigeria had been Koroma’s “home away from home” for more than two years and expressed gratitude that the country was able to provide friendship, support and solidarity during his stay.
“Working quietly with others, we encouraged dialogue and engagement with the Sierra Leonean authorities to help create the conditions for his safe and dignified return.
“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown,” Jonathan said.
