Abuja: Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of Sierra Leone’s former President Ernest Koroma to his home country, following over two years of temporary relocation in Nigeria. The move marks a significant step in regional diplomatic efforts spearheaded by Nigeria to foster peace and stability in West Africa.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this development in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze. The minister accompanied Koroma to Freetown, following directives from President Bola Tinubu, indicating the conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.
The statement revealed that Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria in January 2024 was a result of engagements initiated by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote peace, stability, and political understanding in Sierra Leone. This diplomatic initiative aimed to foster bett
er relations between Sierra Leone’s current President Julius Bio and the former president.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighted Koroma’s conduct during his stay in Nigeria, emphasizing his restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful resolution. The statement also underscored the role of sustained engagements between ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government, and other stakeholders in resolving underlying issues that had necessitated Koroma’s temporary relocation.
The minister expressed gratitude to President Bio, former President Koroma, and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and dedication to peace. She noted that former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined in escorting Koroma back to Freetown, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to regional harmony, constitutional order, and democratic stability.
The return of former President Koroma is expected to further strengthen national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone, reflecting Nigeria’s ongoing role in promoting stability across the regi
on.