Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has finally returned to Freetown after more than two years of exile in Nigeria, marking the successful conclusion of a delicate regional diplomatic effort that saw the West African nation navigate a potential political crisis. The 72-year-old former leader, who governed Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, departed Abuja on Sunday, September 6, 2026, and was accompanied on his journey home by Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo. His return was facilitated by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the instructions of President Bola Tinubu, bringing an end to a period of exile that began in January 2024.
Koroma's departure from Sierra Leone was precipitated by the deadly November 2023 coup attempt in which armed attackers stormed military barracks and prisons, freeing about 2,200 inmates and leaving more than 20 people dead. He was subsequently charged with treason and other offences for his alleged role in the failed uprising. In January 2024, a Sierra Leone High Court granted him permission to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment for a maximum period of three months. However, he remained in Nigeria for more than two years amid legal restrictions and diplomatic engagements. A deal was later brokered by the Economic Community of West African States, allowing Koroma to be exiled to Nigeria in return for the charges being dropped.
The turning point came in July 2026 when Sierra Leone's Ministry of Justice discontinued the criminal proceedings against Koroma, without providing a specific reason. The office of the Attorney-General confirmed that the proceedings were no longer before the court and that Koroma was free to return to Sierra Leone. On Friday, Vice-President Mohamed Jalloh announced that Koroma would return in the spirit of peace and national cohesion. His homecoming comes ahead of presidential elections set for 2028.
Speaking on the development, Minister Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Koroma's return marked the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government, and other stakeholders. She said the process helped create conditions for greater understanding between President Julius Maada Bio and the former president, paving the way for Koroma's temporary stay in Nigeria. "His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome," the minister said. She expressed appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma, and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan also played a key role in facilitating Koroma's return. In a post on X on Sunday, Jonathan said he had the pleasure of seeing off his "dear friend and brother" as he began his journey home. "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," Jonathan said.
Upon arrival at the international airport in Freetown, Koroma was welcomed by Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swarray and officials from his party, the opposition All People's Congress. "Today I have come back home and I'm happy," Koroma told journalists, smiling. His return is expected to further strengthen national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone as the country continues efforts to heal from the divisions of the 2023 political crisis.
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