By Alusine Sesay
Freetown, September 7, 2026: President Dr. Julius Maada Bio yesterday received former President Ernest Bai Koroma at State House in Freetown, marking Koroma’s return to Sierra Leone after years in Nigeria.
In a statement shared on his official Facebook page, President Bio underscored the importance of reconciliation and national cohesion: “Let us unite in purpose, reinforce our peace, and commit to building a stronger, more prosperous, and hopeful Sierra Leone.”
The meeting signals a new chapter in Sierra Leone’s political landscape, following months of dialogue and regional mediation aimed at fostering peace and stability.
Upon his arrival in Freetown on Sunday, September 6, 2026, former President Ernest Bai Koroma expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized his commitment to peace and reconciliation.
“I am thankful to be back home in Sierra Leone. This moment is not about the past but about our collective future. I stand ready to support efforts that strengthen peace, unity, and development in our beloved nation,” Koroma said.
Koroma’s return follows the government’s recent pardon and the withdrawal of treason-related proceedings, paving the way for his safe reintegration.
The development comes at a time when Sierra Leone is hosting high-level ECOWAS engagements, with regional leaders urging reconciliation as a cornerstone of democratic consolidation. Both leaders’ statements highlight a shared commitment to healing divisions and advancing national progress.