Freetown, Sierra Leone – President Julius Maada Bio has welcomed former President Ernest Bai Koroma back to Freetown and Sierra Leone, marking a significant development following the government’s recent decision to discontinue criminal proceedings against the former Head of State.
President Bio announced the development in a post on social media on Monday, saying he had welcomed Koroma at State House.
“Today at the State House, I welcomed former President Ernest Bai Koroma back to Freetown and Sierra Leone,” President Bio stated.
He called on Sierra Leoneans to use the occasion to promote national unity, peace and development.
“Let us unite in purpose, reinforce our peace, and commit to building a stronger, more prosperous, and hopeful Sierra Leone,” he added.
Koroma left Sierra Leone in January 2024 after he was granted permission by the High Court to travel abroad for medical treatment while facing charges relating to treason and misprision of treason over the alleged November 2023 coup attempt.
On July 14, 2026, the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice announced that it had filed a notice to discontinue the criminal proceedings against Koroma under Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.
The decision brought the proceedings to an end and terminated Koroma’s bail with immediate effect, with the government stating that he was free to return to Sierra Leone.
His return and meeting with President Bio now represent a major development in the country’s ongoing efforts toward political reconciliation and the consolidation of peace.
