Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has pledged to leverage his international connections to support the development of Sierra Leone.
He made this pledge while speaking to supporters during a triumphant homecoming in his hometown of Makeni on Monday.
Addressing a large gathering at Wusum Field, Koroma said he would put his global network to work for the benefit of the nation.
“I will use my platform to bring my international connections to help in the development of Sierra Leone,” he declared.
The former Head of State, who led the country from 2007 to 2018, received an enthusiastic welcome from residents, APC supporters, traditional leaders and other stakeholders. Crowds lined the streets of Makeni waving and chanting as cultural performances marked his arrival in the city centre.
Koroma returned permanently to Sierra Leone earlier this month after more than two years in Nigeria. He had left in 2024 while facing treason and related charges connected to the November 2023 armed attacks on military and prison facilities. Those charges were discontinued by the government in July 2026. His return was made possible with the support of President Julius Maada Bio, ECOWAS and Nigerian authorities.
In his address, Koroma thanked President Bio for the assurances of safety, security and recognition of his status as a former head of state. He expressed gratitude to the people of Makeni and Sierra Leoneans more broadly for their continued support.
He said he would focus on his foundation, engaging political parties, civil society organisations and other groups to seek advice and guidance for national progress. Koroma offered himself as a father figure and adviser not only to the APC but also to the SLPP and any other organisations working for the good of the country.
Stressing that Sierra Leone needs peace and national cohesion more than anything else, he called on all citizens to come together and prioritise development for the benefit of present and future generations.
While confirming that he remains an APC member, Koroma stated clearly that he would neither seek the party chairmanship nor the presidency again.
He urged APC leaders and members to reject internal “camps” and ensure that all supporters benefit fairly, regardless of personal allegiances.
The event was attended by Resident Minister Northeast Ibrahim Jalloh, Makeni City Mayor Abubakarr Lamtales Kamara, the Mayor of Freetown, APC party leadership, district council chairmen, Members of Parliament and traditional authorities. Many present described the occasion as a hopeful homecoming that renewed prospects for unity and grassroots growth in the northeast.
Koroma’s pledge to mobilise international support for national development comes as Sierra Leone prepares for the 2028 general elections, with his return widely seen as a contribution to efforts aimed at political reconciliation and stability.
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