Nigeria has facilitated the return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma to Freetown after more than two years in temporary relocation, in what Abuja described as the culmination of sustained regional diplomatic efforts to promote peace and political stability.

Koroma returned to Sierra Leone accompanied by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, acting on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The former Sierra Leonean leader relocated to Nigeria in January 2024 following engagements involving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) aimed at easing political tensions and strengthening stability in the country.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Koroma’s return followed extensive engagements involving Nigeria, ECOWAS and other stakeholders, which helped create an atmosphere for dialogue and greater understanding between Koroma and Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.

She described the development as the successful conclusion of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process.

According to the minister, Koroma demonstrated “restraint, statesmanship, and commitment to a peaceful outcome” throughout his stay in Nigeria.

She commended President Bio and Koroma, as well as the people of Sierra Leone, for their cooperation and commitment to peace, saying their willingness to engage was critical to achieving the outcome.

The minister said Nigeria remained committed to strengthening democratic stability, constitutional order and peaceful political processes across West Africa.

She expressed hope that Koroma’s return would further advance reconciliation and consolidate peace in Sierra Leone.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo also accompanied Koroma and the foreign affairs minister to Freetown.

Koroma’s return represents a notable diplomatic development for Nigeria, highlighting Abuja’s continuing role in efforts to prevent political crises, facilitate dialogue and promote stability within the West African region.