Former President Koroma returns to Sierra Leone, embraces interfaith dialogue

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma returned to Sierra Leone after over two years in Nigeria and attended Friday prayers at Makeni Central Mosque, a predominantly Muslim place of worship, accompanied by members of his entourage.

Koroma, a Christian, also recently worshipped at a Wesleyan Church in Freetown and visited the graves of his family.

His attendance at the mosque signaled a commitment to Sierra Leone’s tradition of interfaith cooperation, where Muslims and Christians often participate in each other’s religious events and even share religious affiliations within families. During the sermon, Northwest Regional Chief Imam Sheikh Alhaji Mohamed Mujahedeen Bangura spoke about leadership, forgiveness, and the importance of compassion, drawing lessons from the Qur’an about prophets Solomon and Moses.

The Imam specifically appealed to Koroma to forgive those who had opposed him and to prioritize Sierra Leone’s peace. Koroma responded by emphasizing that his return was guided by faith and that peace must begin within communities and homes. Outside the mosque, many people gathered to greet Koroma, offering blessings and showing their support. The scene highlighted a broader picture of Sierra Leone, where a constitutional framework protects religious freedom and interfaith institutions promote peaceful coexistence.

Koroma framed his return as a moment of reconciliation and stated his desire to contribute to the nation’s progress, acknowledging that prayers had guided him home.