FMR. President Koroma Returns, Pledging National Unity and Peace
- Grace Bangura
- 20 minutes ago
- 1 min read
Former President Ernest Bai Koroma made a historic return to Sierra Leone on Sunday, September 6, reaffirming his dedication to fostering national peace, guiding the youth, and driving national cohesion.
Arriving at Freetown International Airport from Nigeria, Koroma was greeted by Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray, an APC and cross-party delegation, and key West African diplomats.
Koroma was accompanied by Nigeria's Foreign Minister, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, highlighting the high-level regional diplomatic support backing his homecoming.
Ahead of his departure, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan bade Koroma farewell, calling him a "dear friend" and expressing hope that his return would inspire deep reconciliation across Sierra Leone.
Addressing the welcoming crowd, Koroma extended sincere gratitude to President Julius Maada Bio, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ECOWAS, and his supporters for their steadfast assistance during his time abroad.
“I am back home and home will always be home, there’ll never be any substitute for home,”
he declared, sharing that he returns refreshed and ready to mentor young leaders through his foundation.
Koroma’s homecoming marks the end of an extended stay in Nigeria since January 2024, originally granted for medical treatment following the legal fallout of the November 2023 attempted coup.
With criminal proceedings now officially discontinued through extensive regional diplomacy involving ECOWAS, Foreign Minister Swaray noted that the event underscores President Bio’s commitment to national unity, development, and lasting reconciliation.
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