Nigeria Escorts Koroma Home as Two-Year Political Exile Ends
Michael Olugbode in Abuja Nigeria has helped bring to an end one of West Africa’s most delicate political sagas, facilitating the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Freetown after a two-year exile in Nigeria, bringing an end to one of West Africa's most sensitive political episodes. Koroma's journey home was facilitated by Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, and supported by Sierra Leone's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The return comes after the Sierra Leonean government dropped treason-related charges against Koroma in July 2026, stemming from his involvement in a failed coup attempt on November 26, 2023. Koroma, who previously served as Sierra Leone's head of state from 2007 to 2018, denied any involvement in the events, describing the charges as politically motivated.
His return was accompanied by a significant diplomatic effort aimed at maintaining peace and political stability in Sierra Leone, showcasing Nigeria's historical influence in the region and its commitment to regional harmony.
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