State House, Freetown, Monday, 7 September 2026 – Former President Dr Ernest Bai Koroma has expressed his appreciation to His Excellency President Dr Julius Maada Bio for facilitating his return to Sierra Leone from Nigeria, reaffirming his commitment to national cohesion, peace and the continued development of the country.
Former President Koroma made the remarks when he visited President Bio at State House in Freetown, where he personally thanked the President for the decision and support that enabled his return home.
Accompanied by Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the former President expressed his joy at being back in Sierra Leone and thanked President Bio for facilitating his homecoming.
“Mr President, it is good to be back here at home. I have to be here to thank you personally for the great decision you took on my return,” he stated.
Former President Koroma also assured President Bio of his continued commitment to national unity and pledged to support national development efforts.
He further expressed his willingness to make his experience available to President Bio whenever required, emphasising that his commitment to Sierra Leone transcends political differences.
Welcoming the former President back to Sierra Leone on behalf of the Government and people, President Bio acknowledged the significance of his return and the value of his experience as a former Head of State.
“God has put you in this position before, and only a few of us can come here as President. It is good that you are back home,” President Bio said.
The President stressed that the progress and development of Sierra Leone require the collective contribution of all citizens, irrespective of political affiliation or previous position.
President Bio recalled his own participation in the national sensitisation campaign during the Ebola outbreak, noting that his involvement in that national response demonstrated the importance of bringing Sierra Leoneans together in the interest of the country.
The meeting underscored the importance of dialogue, and collective responsibility in strengthening Sierra Leone’s peace and national unity, while reaffirming the shared obligation of current and former national leaders to contribute to the country’s continued progress.
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