Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has received former president Ernest Bai Koroma at State House, in a high-profile meeting following Koroma’s return to the country after more than two years in Nigeria.
The meeting between Bio and his predecessor carries particular political significance in a country where tensions between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and Koroma’s All People’s Congress have persisted for years.
Bio said after the meeting that he had welcomed Koroma back to Freetown and Sierra Leone.
“Let us unite in purpose, reinforce our peace, and commit to building a stronger, more prosperous, and hopeful Sierra Leone,” Bio said in a Facebook post.
Koroma, who arrived in Freetown on Sunday, said he was returning “refreshed” and remained available for consultations and to offer advice where necessary. He thanked Bio, Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Parliament, his party, friends and family, and pledged to continue promoting peace, unity and democracy.
“Home will always be home,” Koroma said.
The meeting comes after a turbulent period in relations between the government and the former president. Koroma left Sierra Leone for Nigeria in January 2024 after being charged with treason and other offences over the November 2023 unrest. He denied involvement in the alleged plot.
Sierra Leone later discontinued the criminal proceedings, clearing the way for Koroma’s return. Nigeria said the process followed sustained diplomatic engagement involving Nigeria, the Economic Community of West African States and other stakeholders.
Koroma’s return has therefore brought together two political figures whose rivalry has shaped Sierra Leone’s politics for much of the past two decades: Bio, who defeated Koroma’s APC in the 2018 presidential election, and Koroma, who governed the country from 2007 to 2018.
The encounter also comes as Sierra Leone looks ahead to another politically sensitive period, with the country still dealing with the consequences of the 2023 unrest and continuing efforts to strengthen political dialogue and national cohesion.
JFK Kamara, commenting on Koroma’s return, said the former president was coming back as a statesman rather than as a party figure.
“Ernest Bai Koroma is coming as a statesman, not as a party person, but his presence alone can unite the APC,” Kamara said.
The State House meeting and Koroma’s public calls for peace and unity could mark an important new phase in relations between Sierra Leone’s governing party and its main opposition, although the extent of any lasting political rapprochement remains unclear.
