Former President’s return raises hopes for political reconciliation, lasting peace
Former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma is back home after the government dropped charges against him, in a move hailed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a major boost for national reconciliation.
ECOWAS said the decision by President Julius Maada Bio’s administration to facilitate Koroma’s safe return was taken in the interest of “national reconciliation, unity, and lasting peace”.
The regional bloc praised Bio for putting reconciliation ahead of political differences and creating an opportunity for Sierra Leone to heal from tensions that have divided the country.
In a statement, the ECOWAS Commission described Koroma’s return as an important step towards strengthening peace, unity and political stability in Sierra Leone.
The Commission also commended Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his role in the process, particularly for hosting Koroma and supporting efforts that eventually paved the way for his return.
ECOWAS said Tinubu’s intervention and leadership contributed to ensuring the former president’s safe return, describing it as part of continuing regional efforts to promote peace and stability across West Africa.
Koroma, who ruled Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, had been facing charges over allegations linked to an attempted coup.
With the charges now dropped and the former president back in Sierra Leone, ECOWAS said the development offers a fresh opportunity for dialogue, reconciliation and a more united country.
