AYV News, July 20, 2026
Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Sierra Leone on Sunday morning aboard a Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft (Registration: 5N-FGZ) from the Nigerian Presidential Fleet, marking his first return to the country since his departure on January 19, 2024.
His arrival comes more than two years after he left Sierra Leone following the alleged failed coup of November 26, 2023, and the subsequent treason charges that were later discontinued by the Government.
Dr. Koroma was received at Freetown International Airport in Lungi by senior government officials, including former Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, Hon. Sidie Mohamed Tunis, Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah, as well as senior executives of the All People’s Congress (APC), including the party’s National Chairman and Secretary General.
The former President’s return follows the Attorney General and Minister of Justice’s decision to discontinue the alleged treason proceedings against him on constitutional grounds, bringing to a close one of the country’s most consequential legal and political episodes in recent years.
According to his Principal Assistant, Sheriff Mahmud Ismail, Dr. Koroma travelled with Senior Adviser and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sam Kargbo, Office Administration Officer Ibrahim Baimba Bangura, and Chief Security Officer Moses Tughgba.
Mahmud described the early morning journey from Abuja as symbolic, recalling that it was another aircraft from the Nigerian Presidential Fleet that flew the former President out of Sierra Leone in January 2024 following extensive diplomatic engagement led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He noted that as the aircraft departed at approximately 5:00 a.m., clear skies and the rising sun accompanied what he described as a journey of hope and return. As the aircraft approached Sierra Leone, the coastline of the Freetown Peninsula and the estuary leading to Lungi came into view, marking what he portrayed as the end of a significant chapter in the country’s political history.
One of the most emotional moments of the homecoming unfolded on the tarmac when Dr. Koromawas greeted by his granddaughter, Liz. The heartfelt embrace between grandfather and granddaughter drew the attention of those present and underscored the deeply personal significance of his return after more than two years away from home.
The former President attended the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi. The summit brings together West African leaders to deliberate on regional peace, security, governance, economic integration, and other pressing issues affecting the sub-region.
His participation attracted significant attention, given the role ECOWAS played in facilitating his temporary relocation to Nigeria in January 2024 and the regional body’s continued engagement in promoting political dialogue and stability in Sierra Leone.
Dr Koroma’s return represents a significant political moment for Sierra Leone, following months of legal developments and renewed calls for national reconciliation.
