It has been reported that a failed coup attempt took place in Sierra Leone. However, a landmark agreement brokered by an ECOWAS mission is set to be enacted on January 4, 2024. According to the agreement, Former President Ernest Bai Koroma is scheduled to leave for Abuja, Nigeria, subject to approval from President Maada Bio.
ECOWAS President Omar Touray sent a reminder letter to President Bio, underlining that Nigeria had agreed to host Koroma temporarily. The former president has accepted this offer, and plans have been made for his departure from Freetown tomorrow, accompanied by his office manager and personal assistant.
The letter also highlights the importance of continuing payments for Koroma’s allowances and entitlements as a former head of state. However, President Bio’s response to the ECOWAS Secretariat’s letter is still pending, which is crucial for the plan’s execution.
Part of the letter reads: “I am pleased to inform Your Excellency that, as part of the agreement reached during the mission, the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has agreed to host His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, former President of Sierra Leone, in Abuja, on a temporary basis. The former president has accepted the offer to be hosted in Nigeria. Subject to your approval, arrangements will be made to fly former President Koroma out of Freetown on Thursday, January 4, 2024. He will be accompanied by his office manager and personal assistant.”