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President Julius Maada Bio has welcomed former President Ernest Bai Koroma back to Sierra Leone, calling for renewed national unity, peace and a collective commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous country.
President Bio made the statement on Monday, September 7, 2026, after receiving Koroma at State House in Freetown. “Let us unite in purpose, reinforce our peace, and commit to building a stronger, more prosperous, and hopeful Sierra Leone,” President Bio said.
Koroma returned to Sierra Leone on Sunday, September 6, after spending more than two years in Nigeria. He was accompanied on his return by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
His return followed the discontinuation of criminal proceedings against him in July 2026. Koroma had left Sierra Leone in 2024 after facing treason and other charges in connection with the November 2023 military uprising, allegations he denied.
The former president, who led Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, said upon his arrival that he was happy to be back home and called for a fresh spirit of unity and reconciliation.
In his first public address following his return, Koroma said he was prepared to do “whatever it takes” to help bring Sierra Leoneans together and pledged to do so openly and with an open heart. He urged people not to be discouraged by past comments or disagreements, saying he had undertaken significant personal spiritual reflection and that his “mind is open and free.”
“Everybody is welcome,” Koroma said, while calling on Sierra Leoneans to work together, avoid looking back and move forward collectively. His message of reconciliation comes as the country seeks to strengthen political stability and national cohesion following a period of heightened political tensions.
President Bio’s welcome and Koroma’s appeal for unity mark a significant moment in the country’s political landscape, with both leaders publicly emphasising peace, reconciliation and a shared commitment to Sierra Leone’s future.
