"President Bio Approves Temporary Relocation of Former President Koroma to Abuja Following ECOWAS Mission"

January 3, 2024

In this letter dated 2 January 2024, addressed to His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, the sender discusses the temporary relocation of Former President Ernest Bai Koroma to Abuja, Nigeria. The letter references a mission to Freetown on 23 December led by a high-level ECOWAS delegation, including Presidents Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana and Macky Sall of Senegal.

The key point conveyed is that the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has offered to host Former President Koroma temporarily, and he has accepted this offer. The letter seeks President Bio's approval for arrangements to fly Koroma out of Freetown on Thursday, 4 January 2024, accompanied by his office manager and personal assistant.

Additionally, the letter outlines post-relocation arrangements agreed upon during the mission, which include the discontinuation of all legal and administrative procedures against the Former President by the Government of Sierra Leone. It also emphasizes the commitment to continuing the disbursement of benefits to Koroma as a former President, securing his residences in various locations within Sierra Leone, and considering refunds for medical and travel expenses he has incurred.

The sender expresses anticipation of a favorable response from President Bio and concludes by renewing assurances of the highest consideration.