Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma is expected to return to Sierra Leone this weekend following the withdrawal of treason charges that had been brought against him in connection with the failed November 2023 coup attempt.
The announcement was made by Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh during a gathering of community leaders and residents in Makeni, the political stronghold of the former president.
“In the spirit of peace and national cohesion, the former president Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma will return to the country this weekend,” Vice President Jalloh said in remarks captured in a video shared on Facebook.
Dr. Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s President from 2007 to 2018, departed for Nigeria in January 2024, just days after he was charged with treason and other offences linked to the deadly events of November 2023, which the government described as an attempted coup.
At the time, judicial authorities granted him permission to travel to Nigeria for medical treatment for an initial period of three months. However, the former president remained outside the country for more than two years as legal proceedings continued.
In July 2026, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Justice announced that all charges against Dr. Koroma had been withdrawn. The government did not publicly disclose the reasons behind the decision.
The charges stemmed from the violent events of November 26, 2023, when armed assailants attacked a military armoury, two military barracks, two correctional facilities and two police stations in Freetown. Security forces engaged the attackers in clashes that left 21 people dead and enabled hundreds of inmates to escape before authorities restored control.
Following investigations and prosecutions linked to the incident, a military court sentenced two dozen soldiers and a former bodyguard of Dr. Koroma to prison terms ranging from 50 to 100 years for their alleged involvement in the mutiny.
Despite his prolonged stay in Nigeria, Dr. Koroma briefly returned to Sierra Leone in July after the charges were dropped. His visit coincided with a summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) hosted in Freetown and attended at the invitation of President Julius Maada Bio.
His anticipated return this weekend is expected to attract significant public and political attention, particularly as Sierra Leone gradually shifts its focus toward the 2028 presidential elections.
Political observers have described the development as a potentially important step in easing tensions following the events of 2023 and advancing national reconciliation efforts.
The return of the former president comes amid growing calls for unity and political dialogue as the country continues to navigate its democratic and governance challenges.