By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
“Let us unite in purpose and reinforce our peace, and commit to building a stronger, more prosperous, and hopeful Sierra Leone,” President Julius Maada Bio has said.
President Bio made the statement on Monday, September 7, 2026, when he welcomed former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma back to Freetown and Sierra Leone during a meeting at State House.
The engagement followed more than two years of Dr. Koroma’s temporary relocation to Nigeria, facilitated through regional diplomatic efforts involving ECOWAS and the Government of Nigeria.
In July 2026, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Justice announced the withdrawal of treason charges relating to the November 2023 security incident, removing the legal barrier to Dr. Koroma’s permanent return to the country.
Dr. Koroma arrived at Freetown International Airport on Sunday and was received by government officials and members of the All People’s Congress (APC).
He was accompanied to Sierra Leone by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, following the directive of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
At State House, President Bio emphasized the importance of national cohesion and a shared commitment to development.
He said Sierra Leone’s progress depends on collective efforts across political parties, traditional leadership and civil society.
President Bio also reiterated his government’s commitment to delivering on the country’s “Big Five” national priorities: food security, human capital development, youth employment, technology and innovation, and infrastructure.
For his part, former President Koroma expressed appreciation for the warm welcome and reaffirmed his commitment to peace and stability in Sierra Leone.
He stressed the importance of dialogue among political leaders in preserving the country’s democratic gains and strengthening public confidence, as well as the confidence of development partners.
The meeting marks a potentially significant moment in Sierra Leone’s political landscape as the country looks ahead to the 2028 general elections.
Both leaders agreed that national unity, respect for democratic institutions and continued dialogue are essential to sustaining peace and advancing development.
State House said further engagements aimed at promoting national cohesion are expected to continue in the coming weeks.