Nigeria facilitates return of former Sierra Leone president Koroma
Nigeria has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown, ending more than two years of temporary relocation to the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.
The minister said Koroma’s return followed sustained diplomatic engagements involving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to promote peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.
Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by ECOWAS amid political tensions in Sierra Leone.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the relocation provided an opportunity for dialogue and helped create conditions for improved understanding between Koroma and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.
She described Koroma’s conduct during his stay in Nigeria as one marked by “restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome.”
The minister said the diplomatic efforts had helped address issues surrounding Koroma’s relocation and paved the way for his return home.
She commended President Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
