Nigeria has facilitated the safe return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown, bringing to an end his more than two-year temporary stay in Nigeria.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister described Koroma’s return as the culmination of a regional diplomatic process aimed at promoting peace, political understanding and stability in Sierra Leone.
She explained that Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, as part of efforts to ease political tensions in the country.
According to her, sustained dialogue involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders helped improve relations between President Julius Maada Bio and the former president, creating conditions for Koroma’s eventual return.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Koroma for what she described as his restraint and statesmanship throughout the process, while appreciating the Sierra Leonean government and people for their cooperation.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace, constitutional governance and democratic stability, expressing optimism that Koroma’s return would contribute to reconciliation and lasting peace in Sierra Leone.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also accompanied Koroma on his return to Freetown.