Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned home after spending more than two years in Nigeria as part of a regional diplomatic initiative aimed at promoting peace and political stability in the West African country.
Koroma arrived in Freetown accompanied by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who travelled with him on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the minister in accompanying Koroma back to Sierra Leone.
According to a statement signed by Dr. Magnus Eze, Special Assistant on Communication and New Media in the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Koroma’s return marked the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
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.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the diplomatic process helped create an atmosphere of greater understanding between President Julius Maada Bio and the former president, paving the way for Koroma’s temporary relocation to Nigeria.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” the minister said.
She noted that sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders during Koroma’s stay contributed to resolving the issues that had necessitated his relocation.
The minister commended President Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability across West Africa.
She expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would contribute to strengthening national reconciliation, peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.
