The Federal Government has facilitated the safe and dignified return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years in the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

She described the development as the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic process aimed at promoting peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Koroma’s relocation to Nigeria followed negotiations by the Economic Community of West African States to ease political tensions in Sierra Leone.

Koroma initially travelled to Nigeria in January 2024 after Sierra Leone charged him with treason and other offences over an alleged role in a failed coup attempt.

The former president had initially received permission to remain in Nigeria for up to three months for medical treatment. He eventually stayed for more than two years.

ECOWAS had earlier negotiated Koroma’s temporary relocation to Abuja as part of efforts to reduce tensions between him and President Julius Maada Bio. Nigeria offered to host the former leader under the arrangement.

The November 2023 unrest involved attacks on military facilities and prisons in Freetown. Authorities later charged Koroma with treason, though he denied involvement in the alleged plot.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said sustained engagements involving ECOWAS, Nigeria and other stakeholders helped create conditions for dialogue and eventual reconciliation.

She also commended President Bio, Koroma and Sierra Leoneans for their cooperation throughout the process.

“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” the minister said.

She expressed confidence that Koroma’s return would strengthen reconciliation and contribute to lasting peace in Sierra Leone.

The minister added that Nigeria remained committed to regional harmony, constitutional order and democratic stability across West Africa.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo also joined the minister in escorting Koroma back to Freetown.

The development brings to an end Koroma’s extended stay in Nigeria, which began amid a politically sensitive period in Sierra Leone following the 2023 unrest and his subsequent prosecution.