FREETOWN – Former President Ernest Bai Koroma has declared that he is no longer seeking the position of party chairman or the presidency, saying it is time for him to give back to the nation and focus on building lasting peace and national cohesion.
Speaking at a press conference at his Femi Turner residence in Freetown, Koroma reflected on his recent return to Sierra Leone, his participation in the National Peace Conference, and the path toward the next elections.
He described his homecoming as “good and refreshing” and warned that the country cannot afford to return to square one after every election cycle.
“We do not have another country, and we do not have a choice. We must grab every opportunity to move forward,” Koroma said. “Peace requires effort, dialogue, compromise and a willingness to accommodate one another.”
The former president stressed that Sierra Leone’s hard-won peace since the end of the civil war in 2002 depends on strong, independent institutions that deliver justice and services fairly, free from political interference.
He noted that ordinary citizens sometimes undermine institutional independence by using personal connections to influence decisions.
“Our institutions have to be independent. We must give them independence,” he said. “Let us ensure the right people handle the jobs and allow them to take decisions based on their professionalism. We are all tired, so let’s come out as a new Sierra Leone that gives equal opportunities for everybody.”
Koroma argued that while political appointments may change with governments, technical professionals should be retained to ensure continuity and effective service delivery.
On his own political future, the APC leader was clear. “I have done it all; it’s time to give back. I am no longer aspiring to be chairman or president, and so I look at things differently,” he stated.
He urged Sierra Leoneans to first strengthen the foundation of trust and national unity, using the local illustration: “Ar kin born Koinadugu en go do business na Bonthe because ar get the best offer.”
Koroma called for constructive criticism as a tool for nation-building, encouraging journalists, civil society and citizens to hold leaders and institutions accountable for objective reasons rather than personal gain.
He emphasised the need for credible elections that reflect the will of the people, expressing hope that future winners would celebrate while losers accept results peacefully—an atmosphere he said would strengthen democracy and attract investment.
He flagged unresolved issues surrounding the census and electoral processes, warning that no group should be disadvantaged ahead of the next polls.
Koroma reaffirmed his readiness to support President Julius Maada Bio in advancing peace, while cautioning that the actions of leaders could either strengthen or undermine progress.
“This requires all of us, irrespective of political parties. It is about Sierra Leone,” he said, noting that time is running out to address outstanding issues before political tensions rise.
The former president also touched on regional matters, observing that ECOWAS faces challenges with three member states currently outside the community, and that Sierra Leone’s stability would contribute to broader West African development.
Koroma concluded with a call for collective action, urging citizens, parties and institutions to use the current window of peacebuilding to ensure the next electoral cycle strengthens, rather than threatens, the country’s democratic gains.
