ECOWAS HAILS MAADA BIO,APPLAUDS TINUBU AS KOROMA RETURNS TO SIERRA LEONE,Says dropping charges against former president is new path to Reconciliation,Unity, Lasting peace By Raymond Enoch
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has commended the Government of Sierra Leone, particularly President Julius Maada Bio, for facilitating the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma to the country, describing the development as a significant step towards national reconciliation, unity and lasting peace.
The regional bloc, in a statement issued on September 6, 2026, welcomed the Sierra Leonean Government’s decision to drop the charges against the former president, saying the move demonstrates a commitment to dialogue and the pursuit of peaceful solutions to national challenges.
ECOWAS said the decision by President Bio’s administration to facilitate Koroma’s return represents an important development in efforts to strengthen national cohesion and consolidate peace in Sierra Leone.
The Commission also expressed appreciation to ECOWAS leaders who contributed to the diplomatic process that culminated in the former president’s return.
It specifically recognised the leadership and support of Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for hosting former President Koroma and helping facilitate his safe return to Sierra Leone.
The regional body said the role played by ECOWAS leaders underscores the importance of collective regional diplomacy in resolving political tensions and strengthening democratic stability within West Africa.
The development is also being viewed as a demonstration of ECOWAS’ continued commitment to peaceful engagement, reconciliation and political dialogue as essential instruments for sustaining peace and stability across the region.
ECOWAS further stressed the importance of continued cooperation among political leaders and stakeholders in Sierra Leone to consolidate the gains made and ensure that the country remains firmly on the path of national unity and lasting peace.
The return of the former Sierra Leonean leader, coupled with the decision to discontinue the charges against him, therefore marks a potentially significant chapter in the country’s political reconciliation process and reflects the broader regional objective of promoting peaceful political transitions and stability in West Africa.
