# Return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/return-of-former-sierra-leone-president-ernest-bai-koroma
> Updated: 2026-09-06T18:56:31.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 2.

Following the decision by authorities to drop legal proceedings regarding his alleged involvement in a 2023 coup attempt, former Sierra Leonean President Ernest Bai Koroma prepared to return to his country from Nigeria. Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh announced the return, stating it was intended to promote ‘an spirit of peace and national cohesion.’

Koroma, who served as president from 2007 to 2018, had been in Nigeria for medical treatment since early 2024 and faced treason charges related to a November 2023 military uprising. The Nigerian government facilitated the journey as part of a regional diplomatic and confidence-building process involving the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to promote political stability.

On September 6, 2026, Koroma officially returned to Freetown, ending more than two years of relocation to Nigeria. He arrived accompanied by former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Nigerian Foreign Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. Upon his arrival, Koroma was received by President Julius Maada Bio and other officials. This homecoming is viewed as a significant step toward easing political tensions and fostering national reconciliation as the nation approaches the scheduled 2028 presidential elections.

## Claims

- Ernest Bai Koroma spent more than two years in Nigeria following his departure from Sierra Leone in 2024. (corroborated by 11 sources)
- The treason charges against Koroma were related to a November 2023 military uprising in Sierra Leone. (corroborated by 9 sources)
- Sierra Leonean authorities dropped treason charges against Ernest Bai Koroma in July 2026. (corroborated by 8 sources)
- Ernest Bai Koroma served as the President of Sierra Leone from 2007 to 2018. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Koroma arrived in Freetown accompanied by Olusegun Obasanjo and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu. (corroborated by 6 sources)
- Ernest Bai Koroma expressed happiness upon his return to Freetown. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan described the return as a moment for reconciliation. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Sierra Leone is scheduled to hold presidential elections in 2028. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-06: Ernest Bai Koroma returns to Sierra Leone after two-year exile

Former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma has returned to Freetown from Nigeria after two years of exile, following the dismissal of treason charges against him.

17 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ernest-bai-koroma-returns-to-sierra-leone-after-treason-charges-dropped

### 2026-09-04: Sierra Leone Vice President announces return of former President Koroma

Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh announced the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma this weekend to promote national cohesion following the dismissal of treason charges.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sierra-leone-vice-president-announces-return-of-former-president-koroma

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Cite as: Return of former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/return-of-former-sierra-leone-president-ernest-bai-koroma