Nigeria Government has described the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years in temporary relocation as a major step towards strengthening reconciliation, political understanding and democratic stability in the West African country.
The former president was accompanied to Sierra Leone by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Koroma’s return marked the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process involving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders.
She recalled that Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following ECOWAS-led engagements aimed at promoting peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.
According to the minister, the period of temporary relocation provided an opportunity for sustained engagement and helped create conditions for greater understanding between Koroma and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.
She commended the former president for his restraint and statesmanship throughout the process, noting that his conduct reflected a commitment to achieving a peaceful outcome.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” she said.
The minister also acknowledged the cooperation of President Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone in facilitating the resolution of issues that had necessitated the former president’s relocation.
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She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability, expressing optimism that Koroma’s return would contribute to further national reconciliation and lasting peace in Sierra Leone.
The development further highlights Nigeria’s diplomatic role in supporting peaceful political processes and stability within the West African region.
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