A United Kingdom-based member of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), Adams Bangura, has publicly appealed to Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, to permit the permanent return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma following the death of APC National Chairman, Alhaji Minkailu Mansaray.
In an open letter dated 15 June 2026 and written from London, Bangura described the moment as an opportunity for national healing, reconciliation, and unity.
He acknowledged President Bio’s condolence message on the passing of Mansaray but urged him to take what he termed a further step by exercising presidential clemency to remove restrictions affecting the former Head of State and allow him to return home permanently.
Bangura emphasized the longstanding relationship between Koroma and the late APC chairman, noting that the two men shared decades of political and personal ties.
He argued that the former president would be deeply affected by Mansaray’s death and suggested that attending the funeral would be a meaningful final tribute to a close ally and friend.
According to the letter, granting Koroma the opportunity to return to Sierra Leone would demonstrate statesmanship and reinforce efforts toward national cohesion. Bangura maintained that such a move would transcend partisan politics and send a strong message of peace and reconciliation to Sierra Leoneans and the international community.
He further called on President Bio to prioritize national interest over political divisions, arguing that allowing the former president to spend his retirement in Sierra Leone would honour both his status as a former Head of State and the legacy of the late APC chairman.
The appeal comes at a time when the death of Mansaray has generated widespread tributes from political leaders and supporters across the country. The veteran politician served in several senior government positions during the Koroma administration and was widely regarded as one of the APC’s most influential figures.
Bangura concluded his letter by expressing hope that President Bio and former President Koroma could stand together during the funeral ceremonies, describing such a moment as a powerful symbol of unity and national reconciliation.
