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Former President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma has returned home after more than two years in Nigeria, where he had been staying after facing treason allegations linked to a failed coup attempt.
Koroma arrived at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.
His return follows the Sierra Leonean government’s decision in July to drop treason charges against him, paving the way for his return.
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan welcomed Koroma’s return and called on the Sierra Leonean government to create room for dialogue and engagement.
Jonathan said the Nigerian government had worked behind the scenes with other stakeholders to facilitate what he described as Mr Koroma’s “safe and dignified return”.
“Working quietly with others, we encouraged dialogue and engagement with Sierra Leonean authorities to help create the conditions for his safe and dignified return,” Mr Jonathan said.
He also bid farewell to the former Sierra Leonean leader, describing Nigeria as a country that had provided Mr Koroma with a home for more than two years.
“Safe travels, my brother. Sierra Leone welcomes you home,” Mr Jonathan said.
Koroma left Sierra Leone in 2024 after he was accused of treason over the November 2023 failed coup attempt. He denied the allegations and was later allowed to travel to Nigeria on medical grounds.
Sunday’s arrival is Koroma’s second return to Sierra Leone since leaving the country. His first was to attend the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Lungi.
He is now expected to settle in Sierra Leone and continue his retirement in his hometown of Makeni.
Koroma served as president for two terms before handing over power to President Julius Maada Bio in 2018.
His return was welcomed by supporters and senior members of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), many of whom travelled to Lungi to receive him.
The development marks a new chapter for the former president after more than two years away from Sierra Leone.
