By Holison Joshua
Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has left Nigeria for Freetown, bringing to a close more than two years of residence in the country following the political crisis that surrounded him at home.
Koroma’s journey back to Sierra Leone was witnessed by former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan, who accompanied his longtime associate as he departed Nigeria.
The former Sierra Leonean president came to Nigeria in early 2024 after securing approval to travel abroad for medical attention. His departure from Sierra Leone came as he faced allegations arising from the November 2023 attempted coup.
While Koroma remained in Nigeria, the case against him continued to attract attention, with diplomatic and political efforts reportedly focused on resolving the matter through dialogue.
A significant development came in July 2026 when Sierra Leonean authorities brought the criminal proceedings against Koroma to an end. The decision subsequently paved the way for him to make arrangements to return home.
Jonathan, in a farewell message, reflected on the relationship that developed during Koroma’s extended stay in Nigeria, referring to him warmly as a close friend and brother.
He said Nigeria had offered the former Sierra Leonean leader a place of friendship and solidarity during a difficult period, adding that the country had effectively served as his home away from home.
The former Nigerian president further revealed that he and others had worked discreetly to encourage communication and understanding between Koroma and officials in Sierra Leone.
According to Jonathan, the objective was to help create an atmosphere that would allow Koroma to return home without compromising his safety or dignity.
With Koroma now on his way back to Freetown, Jonathan expressed hope that the former president would approach the next phase of his life with renewed optimism.
He also extended his best wishes to Koroma and his family, saying the return could represent an important step towards healing and reconciliation.
Koroma’s homecoming marks a notable turn in a saga that began with the 2023 attempted coup and subsequently kept the former president outside Sierra Leone for more than two years.
His arrival in Freetown is expected to close one chapter of the controversy while opening another focused on reconciliation, personal recovery and his future role in Sierra Leonean public life.
