Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to his home country after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, accompanied Koroma to Freetown on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing his return as the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
According to the minister, Koroma 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.
She said the diplomatic efforts helped create conditions for improved understanding between Koroma and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, paving the way for the former president’s temporary stay in Nigeria.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
The minister said sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders contributed to resolving the issues that had necessitated Koroma’s relocation.
She expressed appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to maintaining peace.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability.
She expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would contribute to strengthening national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the foreign affairs minister in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.
Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, had remained in Nigeria since January 2024 amid regional diplomatic efforts following political tensions in his home country.
His return marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to promote political stability and reconciliation in Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
