The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has commended the government of Sierra Leone for facilitating the return of Ernest Bai Koroma, former President to the country, describing the development as an important step towards national reconciliation, unity and lasting peace.
The regional bloc, in a statement, praised Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leonean, for the government’s decision to facilitate Koroma’s return following the withdrawal of charges against the former president.
ECOWAS said the decision to drop the charges against Koroma demonstrated the government’s commitment to promoting reconciliation and strengthening peace and national unity in the West African country.
‘The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission commends, on this 6th of September 2026, the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone, in particular, Julius Maada Bio, for facilitating the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma to Sierra Leone,’ the commission said.
According to the regional organisation, Koroma’s return followed the Sierra Leonean government’s decision to discontinue the charges against him, which it said was taken in the interest of national reconciliation, unity and lasting peace.
The development marks a significant moment in Sierra Leone’s ongoing efforts to strengthen political stability and promote dialogue among key political stakeholders.
Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s president from 2007 to 2018, had been outside the country amid legal proceedings stemming from allegations linked to an attempted coup in November 2023.
ECOWAS also expressed appreciation to regional leaders who contributed to efforts aimed at resolving the situation, particularly Nigerian President Bola Tinubu.
The commission praised Tinubu for his role in hosting Koroma in Nigeria and supporting efforts that ultimately facilitated his safe return to Sierra Leone.
‘The Commission also expresses its gratitude to ECOWAS leaders, particularly His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for his leadership and support in hosting former President Koroma and facilitating his safe return to Sierra Leone,’ it said.
His return is expected to ease political tensions surrounding the former president and could provide further room for dialogue between the government and opposition political actors.
For ECOWAS, the development also reinforces the regional bloc’s emphasis on peaceful resolution of political disputes, dialogue and reconciliation as mechanisms for preserving stability among member states.
The commission said the decision by the Sierra Leonean government represented an opportunity to deepen national unity and consolidate peace.