Ernest Bai Koroma, a former president of Sierra Leone who has been living in exile since he was wanted for treason over an alleged coup two years ago has returned to the country.
He had left Sierra Leone for Nigeria on medical grounds shortly after being detained and charged for treason over an abortive coup in 2024.
The decision to pardon him is expected to significantly lower political temperatures and is viewed by observers as a major stride toward national reconciliation, peace, and political cohesion in a country which had witnessed more than ten years of a devastating civil war which ended in 2002.
Koroma was wanted in Sierra Leone for charges of treason but was recently pardoned and allowed to return to the country from exile in Nigeria following mediation to that effect by regional leaders.
His return was made to coincide with a mid-year summit of heads of state and government of the Economic Commnity of West African States (Ecowas) which is taking place in the town of Lungi near the capital Freetown.
President Julius Maada Bio is the current chair of the regional grouping.
The 72-year old Koroma who led Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018 was scheduled to participate in the summit and was seen in the company of First Lady Fatimaa Maada Bio, hours after he was first welcomed at the foot of the aircraft by his granddaughter and other Sierra Leonean dignitaries.
Many Sierra Leoneans have hailed his pardon and subsequent return to the country as a show reconciliation.
Sierra Leone recently announced the discontinuance of all criminal charges against the former president in accordance with Section 45 of Sierra Leone’s Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, utilising the legal powers vested in the Attorney-General under the country’s laws.
Mr. Koroma had previously been charged with serious offenses, including treason.
Following his initial arrest, he had been granted bail specifically on medical grounds, allowing him to travel to Nigeria to undergo medical treatment.
As a direct result of the new filing, the criminal case is no longer before the court.
Free from the shadow of prosecution, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma was legally cleared and free to return to Sierra Leone at any time of his choosing or immediately upon the completion of his ongoing medical treatment.
WN/as/APA