Sierra Leone Vice President announces return of former President Koroma

Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has announced that former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma will return to the country this weekend. The move follows the decision by authorities to drop legal proceedings against Koroma regarding his alleged involvement in a 2023 coup attempt. Koroma, who served as president from 2007 to 2018, had been in Nigeria for medical treatment and subsequently remained there for over two years after being charged with treason in early 2024.

Vice President Jalloh stated that Koroma’s return is intended to promote “an spirit of peace and national cohesion.” The former president is expected to arrive in Freetown before traveling to his stronghold in Makeni next week.

In a separate effort to strengthen local governance, Vice President Jalloh is also leading the second leg of a regional decentralization tour. This initiative includes consultations in Makeni and Port Loko to engage with traditional authorities, local council leaders, and district representatives. The tour aims to improve coordination between central and local authorities and address challenges such as inadequate financing, institutional capacity, and the transfer of responsibilities to local councils.