Freetown, Sierra Leone — Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, Sierra Leone’s former president, landed in the country this morning aboard a private jet, marking his return after more than two years in exile in Nigeria.
Koroma was warmly received at the airport by a high-level delegation that included Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament; Chernor Bah, Minister of Information and Civic Education; and senior figures from the All People’s Congress (APC), such as the party’s National Chairman and Secretary General.
His homecoming follows the recent withdrawal of serious charges, including treason, linked to the alleged November 2023 attempted coup. The Attorney General and Minister of Justice discontinued the case on constitutional grounds, effectively clearing the path for his return. The charges had been filed in early 2024, prompting Koroma to leave the country.
Attending ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit
The Ministry of Information and Civic Education confirmed that the former president will participate in today’s proceedings at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi. Sierra Leone is currently hosting the ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings (July 12–19, 2026), culminating in the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The summit brings together regional leaders to address pressing issues including peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth across West Africa. President Julius Maada Bio’s administration is using the event to highlight Sierra Leone’s role in regional cooperation.
Koroma served as President of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018 and has remained a prominent figure in the APC. His return is expected to have significant political implications domestically as the country navigates its multi-party democracy.
This remains a developing story. Updates will continue as more details emerge from the summit and official statements.
