Ex-Sierra Leone President Koroma Ends Nigerian Exile

Former Sierra Leonean President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma is returning fully to his home country after over two years.

Koroma had been in exile in Nigeria since being accused of treason following a deadly attempted coup in Freetown in November 2023. During that unrest, gunmen broke into local prisons and a military armory, leading to the death of over twenty soldiers. Several soldiers were subsequently arrested and sentenced to varying prison terms, including Koroma’s former security guard.

In January 2024, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu led the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to broker a deal. The agreement allowed Koroma to travel to Nigeria on medical grounds, effectively beginning his exile.

The political situation shifted in July 2026 when Sierra Leone’s government officially dropped all treason and criminal charges against Koroma, citing health grounds. Shortly after, on July 19, Koroma made a brief visit back home—his first in more than two years. Now, the former ECOWAS chairman is returning permanently.

Nigeria’s former President Goodluck Jonathan, who actively mediated the crisis, announced the departure on Sunday.

“This morning, I had the pleasure of seeing off my dear friend and brother, His Excellency President Ernest Bai Koroma, as he begins his journey home to Sierra Leone,” Jonathan wrote.

Jonathan noted that Nigeria had served as a “home away from home” for Koroma during his exile, thanking him for his friendship and solidarity. He also highlighted the quiet diplomatic work required to ensure political stability in the West African nation.

“Working quietly with others, we encouraged dialogue and engagement with the Sierra Leonean authorities to help create the conditions for his safe and dignified return,” Jonathan stated.

While seeing Koroma off at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Jonathan described the move as a new chapter, expressing optimism that it will bring “renewed hope and reconciliation” for Koroma, his family, and the people of Sierra Leone.

Throughout the ordeal, Koroma, who led Sierra Leone between 2007 and 2018, consistently maintained his innocence regarding the coup attempt and the subsequent treason charges.