On 6 September 2026, former President Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Sierra Leone from Nigeria after the government dropped criminal charges against him. His homecoming has been welcomed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which highlighted its importance for national reconciliation and peace. Koroma reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity and development in Sierra Leone, a move seen as significant for the All People’s Congress (APC) party.
Koroma’s return has drawn comparisons to the biblical figure of Moses, evoking themes of displacement, leadership, and forgiveness. Before becoming president in 2007, Koroma faced a period of political wilderness after receiving just 22.35% of votes in the 2002 election. He led the APC to a comeback in 2007, winning the runoff with 54.62%, but his time in office was marked by challenges such as the Ebola outbreak and the 2017 mudslide.
Koroma’s presidency ended in 2018, when he passed authority to President Julius Maada Bio. This transition serves as a reminder that no leader is entitled to future power based solely on their past actions. The APC currently faces its own challenges, distinct from the previous challenge of returning to power. Today, it must prove it can govern itself amid disputes over internal elections, succession, and legitimacy.
For the APC to convince the nation of its readiness to govern again, it must adhere to its principles of constitutionalism and institutional respect. Koroma’s role should not be that of a commanding figure but rather as an elder statesman aiding in reconciliation. His return sparked emotions in supporters, particularly in Makeni, where many still feel a bond with him.
However, this enthusiasm should not escalate into demands for unity at the expense of dissent or legitimate criticism from party members. Reconciliation does not necessitate forgetting past grievances or erasing history; it requires a commitment to disagree without creating enemies. Personal experiences shape this perspective, and Koroma’s return offers an opportunity to move forward rather than revisit past animosities.
The APC must address internal divisions without allowing these grievances to hinder progress. The party must distinguish between seeking justice and seeking revenge, ensuring its history does not dictate future actions. Koroma’s potential contribution now lies not in achieving electoral victories but in fostering an environment where future leaders do not depend solely on him for resolution.
The APC must mature from its previous factionalism and instead focus on institutional development. Sierra Leone itself has endured significant turmoil, and while the past cannot be undone, the nation can choose how much influence it will have over the future. Koroma’s return did not signal chaos but rather a moment for reflection and hope for unity, and Sierra Leone should embrace peace rather than vengeance.
Key points
- Koroma's return to Sierra Leone has sparked hopes for national reconciliation and peace.
- The APC must address internal divisions and focus on institutional development to prove its readiness to govern.
- Koroma's role should be that of an elder statesman aiding in reconciliation, rather than a commanding figure.
