By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In an official communication, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, has informed His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, of the outcomes of a high-level ECOWAS delegation’s visit to Freetown on December 23, led by the Presidents of Ghana and Senegal.
According to the statement, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has graciously offered to host His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, the former President of Sierra Leone, in Abuja on a temporary basis. The offer has been accepted by President Koroma and, pending approval from President Bio, arrangements are underway for the former president’s departure from Freetown on January 4, 2024. President Koroma will be joined by his office manager and personal assistant.
The communication also seeks confirmation from President Bio regarding the agreed conditions of the former president’s departure. These conditions include the cessation of all legal and administrative procedures against Former President Koroma by the Government of Sierra Leone, the continuation of disbursing his benefits as former president, security for his residences within Sierra Leone, and consideration of refunding his medical and travel expenses.
The temporary relocation initiative is part of the ECOWAS’s effort to ensure the stability and harmony within the region. Dr. Touray has expressed his hope for a favorable response from President Bio and has reiterated the ECOWAS Commission’s highest consideration.
The statement also acknowledges the involvement of ECOWAS leaders including H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, H.E. President Nana Akufo-Ado, and H.E. President Macky Sall in the deliberative mission that led to this agreement.
