Nigeria has facilitated the safe and dignified return of Sierra Leone’s former President, Ernest Koroma, to Freetown after more than two years of temporary relocation in Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, disclosed this in a statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Dr Magnus Eze.
The minister accompanied Koroma to Freetown on the instruction of President Bola Tinubu, describing his return as the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process aimed at promoting peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.
Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote peace, stability and political understanding in Sierra Leone.
According to the minister, the diplomatic process involving ECOWAS, the Nigerian Government and other stakeholders helped create conditions for greater understanding between Sierra Leone’s current President, Julius Bio, and Koroma, paving the way for the former president’s temporary stay in Nigeria.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.
She noted that sustained diplomatic engagements during Koroma’s stay in Nigeria contributed to resolving the issues that had necessitated his relocation and helped strengthen confidence among the parties involved.
The minister expressed appreciation to President Bio, former President Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to peace.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the delegation that escorted Koroma back to Freetown.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability, expressing confidence that Koroma’s return would further strengthen national reconciliation and peace in Sierra Leone.
