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Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Sierra Leone on Friday, 17th July 2026, ending a nearly two-year stay in Nigeria, where he had been receiving medical care.
Dr. Koroma arrived at the Freetown International Airport in Lungi to attend the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit in Freetown at the invitation of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
His arrival marks his first return to the country since his departure in early 2024 and comes as Sierra Leone hosts Heads of State and Government from across West Africa for the regional summit.
A Presidential Invitation for National Cohesion.
President Bio’s invitation to his predecessor has been widely viewed as a significant gesture of national unity and reconciliation at a time when Sierra Leone is welcoming regional leaders for one of the most important diplomatic gatherings on the ECOWAS calendar.
Commentators have suggested that the invitation reflects a commitment to fostering dialogue and promoting national cohesion while demonstrating Sierra Leone’s democratic maturity before the wider West African community.
Government officials who received the former President described the occasion as one that placed the national interest above political differences and reflected the country’s commitment to peace and inclusive leadership.
Koroma Expresses Appreciation.
Speaking briefly upon his arrival, former President Koroma expressed appreciation to President Bio for the invitation and reaffirmed his commitment to peace, unity, and the continued development of Sierra Leone.
His participation in the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit is expected to contribute to the atmosphere of national solidarity surrounding Sierra Leone’s hosting of the high-level regional meeting.
Return Coincides with Regional Summit.
Dr. Koroma’s return comes at a significant moment for Sierra Leone as the country welcomes West African leaders to deliberate on regional peace and security, economic integration, democratic governance, and other issues affecting the sub-region
Earlier this year, the government discontinued legal proceedings that had been instituted against the former president, a decision officials said formed part of broader efforts to promote national reconciliation and stability.
The ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit provides Sierra Leone with an opportunity not only to demonstrate leadership within the regional bloc but also to showcase its commitment to dialogue, democratic governance and peaceful coexistence.
“Salone Big Pas Wi All”
A senior government source described the invitation as reflecting the spirit of the national civic campaign, “Salone Big Pas Wi All,” emphasizing that the country’s collective interests transcend political affiliation.
“The invitation reflects the principle that ‘Salone Big Pas Wi All’,” the official said.
The presence of both President Julius Maada Bio and former President Ernest Bai Koroma at the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit is expected to project a message of political maturity, reconciliation and national unity to leaders and delegates from across the West African region.
As Sierra Leone hosts the regional summit, government officials say the country’s ability to bring together leaders from across the political spectrum reinforces its commitment to peace, democratic governance, and regional cooperation.
