Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma returned home on Sunday, ending more than two years in Nigeria after prosecutors withdrew treason charges linked to a deadly 2023 uprising.
Koroma, who led Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018, arrived at Freetown’s international airport accompanied by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
He was welcomed by Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister Mohamed Rahman Swarray and senior members of his opposition All People’s Congress, or APC.
“Today I have come back home and I’m happy,” Koroma told journalists, smiling.
His return marks a significant moment in a case that had kept the former president outside Sierra Leone since 2024. It also comes as the country looks towards its next presidential election, scheduled for 2028.
Charges Linked to 2023 Coup Attempt
Koroma left Sierra Leone after authorities charged him with treason and other offences over an attempted uprising in November 2023.
Armed attackers stormed a military armoury, two barracks, two prisons and two police stations. They clashed with security forces during the violence, which left 21 people dead, according to the authorities.
The government described the events as an attempted coup.
Two dozen soldiers and Koroma’s former bodyguard were later sentenced by a military court to prison terms ranging from 50 to 100 years for their alleged involvement in the mutiny.
Koroma denied the allegations against him.
In January 2024, Sierra Leone’s High Court allowed him to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment. The court initially permitted him to remain there for up to three months and required medical updates while he was away.
He ultimately remained in Nigeria for more than two years.
Government Withdraws Case
In July, Sierra Leone’s Justice Ministry withdrew the charges against Koroma. Officials did not publicly give a reason for the decision.
The legal move was made through a nolle prosequi, under which the prosecution discontinues a criminal case. The withdrawal does not necessarily prevent the charges from being brought again under Sierra Leonean law.
Koroma had already made a brief return to Sierra Leone in July after the charges were withdrawn. He attended an Economic Community of West African States summit at the invitation of President Julius Maada Bio.
His full return on Sunday was announced in advance by Vice President Mohamed Jukdeh Jalloh during a meeting with local leaders and residents in Makeni, a stronghold of Koroma and the APC.
Supporters and officials gather as former President Ernest Bai Koroma returns to Sierra Leone.
For now, Koroma is back in Sierra Leone as a former president and opposition figure, after years of political and legal uncertainty.
His return comes as the country prepares for the 2028 presidential election. It could place renewed attention on his political influence and the future direction of the APC.
There is, however, no indication from the information available that Koroma intends to seek the presidency again.
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