Sierra Leone Ex-President Koroma Returns Home After 2 Years Exile In Nigeria
Nigeria has facilitated the safe return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma to the country, following more than two years of exile in Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who accompanied Koroma to Freetown on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, said his return marked the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
The 72-year-old former leader, who left Sierra Leone in January 2024 amid treason charges from a failed November 2023 coup attempt, returned on Sunday after the charges were dropped in July 2026.
Nigeria’s former Presidents Goodluck Jonathan and Olusegun Obasanjo, along with Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, helped facilitate the dignified homecoming as part of an ECOWAS diplomatic effort for regional peace.
Koroma thanked Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and others for advancing reconciliation, marking a key step toward easing the nation’s political strains.
Making the announcement on his X Twitter official handle, Jonathan wrote on Sunday:
“This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing off my dear friend and brother, His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma, as he begins his journey home to Sierra Leone.
“Nigeria was his home away from home for over two years, and I am grateful that we were able to offer friendship, support and solidarity during that period. 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.
“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown.
“President Koroma, I wish you a safe journey, peace of mind and every success in this new chapter. May your return be a moment of renewed hope and reconciliation for you, your family and the people of Sierra Leone.
“Safe travels, my brother. Sierra Leone welcomes you home.”
