The Satellite has reliably learnt from sources in both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party that the Nigerian Head of State, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is facilitating peace talks in Sierra Leone, engaging with West African leaders to mediate between former President Ernest Bai Koroma and President Julius Maada Bio ahead of the 2028 national elections. 

Party sources disclosed that erstwhile Nigerian Presidents Olusegun Okekere Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan will join the discussions, and many citizens are hopeful for reconciliation, especially after positive remarks from Koroma's lawyer on Liberty TV, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq.

They added that three Ministers from President Bio's government voiced aspirations for a united front between Koroma and Bio in Freetown, emphasizing the importance of political peace for national development.

In a recent statement, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara Esq. stated that erstwhile President Koroma appears poised to return home from Nigeria. He, therefore, called on President Bio and the current Attorney General and Minister of Justice to engage in diplomatic discussions about facilitating the former 

President’s return.
According to him, “I was with the former President a month ago, and despite his health challenges, he is looking forward to coming back. He is a man of peace who has never left the country, even in times of war.”

The lawyer emphasised Koroma’s enduring commitment to his people and stressed the need for the government to determine a role that benefits from his extensive experience and expertise.

Joseph F. Kamara Esq. urged that a meeting be convened with President Bio and the Attorney General to address the matter, allowing the former President to return in peace and enjoy his retirement while continuing to contribute to the nation’s peace and security.

“In making his closing remarks, I mentioned that if President Bio wishes to enjoy his own retirement, he must also allow Koroma the opportunity to retire in peace,” Kamara stated, highlighting the potential mutual benefits of such an arrangement.

The former President is currently in an extended medical leave after the police detained him on allegations of plotting to overthrow his predecessor, President Bio in a failed coup on Sunday 26th November, 2023.