Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown, following more than two years of temporary relocation to Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the instruction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, marking what she described as the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at promoting peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the process created conditions for improved understanding between Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and the former president, paving the way for Koroma’s temporary stay in Nigeria.
She commended Koroma for demonstrating restraint and statesmanship throughout his period in Nigeria, saying his conduct reflected a commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” the minister said.
According to her, sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders contributed significantly to resolving the issues that had necessitated Koroma’s relocation.
The minister expressed appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability, expressing confidence that Koroma’s return would contribute to strengthening national reconciliation and lasting peace in Sierra Leone.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the Foreign Affairs Minister in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.
