Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said she accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu. She explained that his return followed sustained diplomatic engagements involving Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other stakeholders to promote peace and political understanding in the country.
Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following regional efforts to ease political tensions and strengthen stability in Sierra Leone. According to the minister, his conduct during the period reflected restraint and commitment to a peaceful resolution, while the engagements helped create conditions for improved understanding between him and President Julius Bio.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu expressed appreciation to President Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation, noting that former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the delegation that escorted Koroma to Freetown. She said Nigeria remained committed to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability, expressing confidence that Koroma’s return would further strengthen reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.
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