Olushola Omogbehin
Following the departure of the Former Sierra Leonean President, Ernest Bai Koroma from Freetown in January 2024 and after spending more than two years in Nigeria, he has now returned to his country.
Former president Goodluck Jonathan, who disclosed this said his return was done quietly to encourage dialogue with Sierra Leonean authorities and create conditions for his safe return.
“This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing off my dear friend and brother, President Ernest Bai Koroma, as he begins his journey home to Sierra Leone,” Jonathan said in a Facebook post.
“Nigeria was his home away from home for over two years, and I am grateful that we were able to offer friendship, support and solidarity during that period.”
In July 2026, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Justice decided to drop treason-related charges brought against him in connection with the country’s failed November 2023 coup.
Goodluck Jonathan said he has worked behind the scenes with other leaders to facilitate dialogue towards Koroma’s return upon which Sierra Leone Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, said that the former president would return home at the weekend.
“Working quietly with others, we encouraged dialogue and engagement with the Sierra Leonean authorities to help create the conditions for his safe and dignified return,” he said.
“As we say farewell today, I am particularly happy that he is returning home to Freetown.”
“President Koroma, I wish you a safe journey, peace of mind and every success in this new chapter. May your return be a moment of renewed hope and reconciliation for you, your family and the people of Sierra Leone.
“Safe travels, my brother. Sierra Leone welcomes you home,” he said.
A Sierra Leonean High Court granted Koroma permission on January 17 to travel abroad for medical treatment for an initial period of three months.
He arrived Nigeria on January 19, 2024, aboard a Nigerian presidential aircraft and departed on 6, September, 2026.
