Nigeria Facilitates Ernest Bai Koroma's Return to Sierra Leone

Nigeria played a crucial role in the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma, who had been in exile for over two years following a failed coup attempt and treason charges. Koroma arrived in Freetown on Sunday, accompanied by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

This development is seen as the result of sustained diplomatic efforts aimed at fostering peace and political understanding in Sierra Leone. Koroma had left Sierra Leone in January 2024 amid serious political crises, following a coup attempt on November 26, 2023.

The Sierra Leonean government dropped treason-related charges against him in July 2026. Odumegwu-Ojukwu stated that Nigeria's involvement was to create conditions for national reconciliation.

Koroma's departure to Nigeria was initially for medical reasons but extended beyond two years, during which Nigeria engaged in diplomatic efforts to stabilize the political situation in Sierra Leone.