Nigeria has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years of temporary stay in the country.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who accompanied Koroma to Sierra Leone on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, described his return as the culmination of a regional diplomatic process aimed at promoting peace and political reconciliation.
In a statement on Sunday, the minister said Koroma relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) designed to foster political stability and dialogue in Sierra Leone.
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She said the arrangement provided an opportunity for improved understanding between Koroma and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, while allowing the former leader to remain temporarily in Nigeria.
According to Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Koroma demonstrated restraint and statesmanship throughout the period.
“His conduct throughout this period reflected restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome,” she said in the statement issued by her Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze.
The minister said ongoing consultations involving the Nigerian government, ECOWAS, and other relevant stakeholders helped address the issues that led to Koroma’s relocation.
She expressed appreciation to President Bio, Koroma and the people of Sierra Leone for their cooperation and commitment to maintaining peace during the diplomatic process.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting peace and stability across the West African sub-region, as well as supporting constitutional governance and democratic institutions.
She expressed optimism that Koroma’s return would contribute to ongoing reconciliation efforts and further strengthen peace and political stability in Sierra Leone.