The Return of Ernest Bai Koroma and the Future of the APC
By Yoni Emmanuel Sesay
On 6 September 2026, former President Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Sierra Leone from Nigeria after the government dropped criminal charges against him. ECOWAS welcomed his return, highlighting its importance for national reconciliation and peace. Koroma reaffirmed his commitment to promoting unity and development in Sierra Leone.
His homecoming is significant, especially for the All People’s Congress (APC) party, evoking comparisons to the biblical figure of Moses. While it is crucial to remember that Koroma is not a prophet, his journey resonates with themes familiar to humanity: displacement, leadership, and forgiveness.
Before becoming president in 2007, Koroma faced political wilderness after receiving just 22.35% of votes in the 2002 election. Leading the APC to a comeback in 2007, he won the runoff with 54.62%, but his time in office brought challenges from crises like the Ebola outbreak and the 2017 mudslide. His presidency ended in 2018, passing authority to President Julius Maada Bio, which serves as a reminder that no leader is entitled to future power based solely on their past actions.
Currently, the APC faces its own wilderness, one 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 party 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.
It is essential for the APC to 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.
In welcoming Koroma, Sierra Leone should embrace peace rather than vengeance. While the past is significant, it should not define the future. The APC must honour its foundations while allowing for growth and change without surrendering its institutions to individual leaders. The maturity required for forgiveness and progress is now crucial for both the APC and Sierra Leone as a whole.
