Ex-President Koroma, arrives Nigeria under an ECOWAS-brokered deal

Sierra Leone’s former President Ernest Bai Koroma, facing treason charges, has arrived in Nigeria under an ECOWAS-brokered deal, ostensibly labeled as a “medical trip” by the Sierra Leone government. Originally scheduled for January 4th, the departure was delayed as President Julius Maada Bio faced internal opposition, fearing ECOWAS interference. The political unrest in Sierra Leone escalated after the disputed June 2023 presidential election, culminating in an alleged coup attempt on November 26th, attributed to opposition figures, including Koroma. Despite his denial of involvement, Koroma was placed under house arrest, later charged with treason, and taken to court on January 3rd. During the ECOWAS summit in December 2023, President Bio sought mediation, leading to a delegation, including Presidents Nana Akufo-Addo and Macky Sall, intervening in Freetown. President Bio insisted on Koroma’s exile for peace, similar to his asylum granted by the U.S. in 1996. Koroma initially resisted, but ECOWAS persuasion led to an agreement, contingent on dropping charges, retaining entitlements, and Nigeria as the host country. The Sierra Leone government introduced the “medical trip” narrative to save face, masking Bio’s initiation of the plan. Uncertainty looms over ECOWAS considering Bio’s request for a stabilization force. The alleged coup’s trial, involving 15 of Koroma’s bodyguards, gains significance with his exit. Sierra Leone, marked by ethnic division and post-civil war recovery, faces a critical juncture as it navigates these political challenges.

ECOWAS Condemns Plot To Truncate Peace In Sierra Leone

*As Sierra Reschedules Flights For Departing Airlines  The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has condemned the plot by some individuals to disturb the peace of Sierra Leonians. The condemnation is contained in a statement issued by ECOWAS on Sunday in Abuja. “The bloc has learnt, with utter disgust, a plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order in Sierra Leone. “ECOWAS condemns this act and calls for the arrest and prosecution of everyone involved in the illegality. “The bloc has always maintained its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government. “We want to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government and the people of Sierra Leone’s quest to deepen democracy and good governance by consolidating peace and security so as to foster socio-economic development,” it stated. The Sierra Leonean government has declared a 24-hours nationwide curfew in a proactive step to ensure that the peace is not tampered with. Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority (SLCAA) has imposed a rescheduling of flights for departing airlines. In a statement on Sunday by the Management of SLCAA, the authority said the rescheduling of the flights is in view of the nationwide curfew imposed by the government. “SLCAA is aware that passengers intending to depart from and arrive at the Freetown International Airport (FNA) on flights scheduled for today, Sunday Nov. 26, 2023 are affected by the nationwide curfew declared by the state and currently in force,” the authority said. SLCAA urged all airlines to reschedule departing passengers on the next available flights after the curfew is lifted, “as SLCAA airspace remains open.” “While we appreciate the inconvenience this may cause, we urge all to respect the curfew and follow directives of the state security forces. “The SLCAA assured the airlines and the wilder aviation industry of its unflinching support,” the authority added in the statement.

Eagles beat Sierra Leone 3-2, qualify for 2023 AFCON

The Super Eagles of Nigeria on Sunday qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Sierra Leone 2-3 in Monrovia, Liberia. The three-time African champions picked the ticket after defeating the Lone Stars at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium with one game to spare. A stoppage-time tap-in from Kelechi Iheanacho was the most important goal in a match where the Super Eagles surrendered a two-goal lead. Jose Peseiro started the match with the attacking trio of in-form Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon. He also preferred the backline paring over Kenneth Omeruo and Semilore Ajayi as Willam Troost-Ekong was benched. The Eagles showed their intent in the early minutes of the game when Osimhen’s header was only stopped by Ibrahim Sesay, Sierra Loanean’s goalkeeper. A few minutes later, Chukwueze fired high and wide from the edge of the box after he was teed up. He then scuffed a bigger opportunity after Osimhen wrestled the ball off a defender to set him face-to-face with Sesay. Shortly, the early pressure paid for Nigeria as Osimhen pounced on a long ball and executed a perfect lob over the on-rushing Sesay, who watched as the strike sailed into the empty net. The Napoli striker doubled the lead in the 32nd minute after he was sent through on goal by a cute pass by Joe Aribo. With a well-executed assist from Ahmed Musa, Osimhen capitalized on the defense’s neglect and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike, further cementing the Super Eagles’ advantage. Osimhen’s brace also propelled him to the top of the scorer rankings with seven goals, surpassing Sadio Mané. Mustapha Bundu restored hope for the Leone Stars when he struck from the edge of the box to reduce the deficit just before the break. Sierra Leone emerged from half-time with renewed determination, launching relentless attacks on the Nigerian camp. Their efforts bore fruit as Augustus Kargbo equalized, leveling the score at 2-2. The momentum clearly favored the Sierra Leoneans, who continued to create opportunities, albeit leaving gaps for the ever-vigilant Super Eagles. In the end, it was Kelechi Iheanacho who seized the moment, securing Nigeria’s qualification with a crucial goal. This result also guarantees qualification for Guinea-Bissau.