Freetown, 7th September 2026- Former President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma returns home after nearly three years in exile, following the government’s decision to drop treason charges linked to the failed 2023 coup attempt. His comeback is being framed by officials as a gesture of peace and national cohesion.
Koroma governed Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018 as leader of the All People’s Congress (APC). In November 2023, armed attackers stormed military and police facilities in Freetown, leading to 21 deaths and hundreds of prisoners escaping. Authorities branded it a coup attempt. Koroma was charged with treason in January 2024 and left for Nigeria days later, officially for medical treatment. Judicial approval allowed a three‑month stay, but he remained abroad for over two years.
In July 2026, Sierra Leone’s Justice Ministry announced it had ceased all prosecutions against Koroma, without providing a public explanation. It is believed that the move was influenced by regional diplomacy through ECOWAS, aimed at stabilizing Sierra Leone’s political climate.
Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh confirmed Koroma’s return during a gathering in Makeni, Koroma’s political stronghold. He described the homecoming as being “in the spirit of peace and national cohesion.” Koroma arrived in Freetown over the weekend and is expected to travel to Makeni in the coming days.
Koroma’s return comes ahead of Sierra Leone’s 2028 presidential elections, raising questions about his future role in national politics. While the APC remains divided, his presence could reshape opposition dynamics and influence reconciliation efforts.
