By: Precious Miracle Kargbo (Snr)
At a High-Level Consultative Conference, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone issued a strong warning over the alarming rise of terrorism in West Africa, calling for urgent and coordinated regional and international action.
President Bio revealed that more than half of all terrorism-related deaths worldwide now occur in West Africa, underscoring the severity of the threat and the need for collective responsibility to address it.
“As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, I assert that ensuring regional security must be a shared responsibility,” President Bio stated. His remarks highlighted not only the gravity of the security situation but also the necessity for sustained commitment and adequate resources from all stakeholders.
The President noted that the effects of terrorism go far beyond the immediate loss of life. According to him, terrorism destabilizes economies, weakens governance systems, and deepens humanitarian crises across the region.
Emphasizing the need for operational readiness, President Bio expressed Sierra Leone’s willingness to contribute financially and strategically to joint security efforts. “We are ready to operationalize and defend our strategies resolutely,” he said, stressing the importance of proactive rather than reactive responses to security threats.
The conference also provided a platform for President Bio to call on international partners, including the United Nations and the African Union, to strengthen collaboration with ECOWAS. He urged these institutions not only to provide support but to actively engage in the development and implementation of comprehensive counter-terrorism strategies.
“A united front is essential,” President Bio emphasized, noting that the complex nature of modern terrorism requires multilateral approaches that address its root causes, such as poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education.
The implications of the President’s address are significant. His call for unified and sustained action against terrorism sets a critical tone for enhanced cooperation among West African states and their international partners. As the region confronts evolving security challenges, the success of these collaborative efforts may prove decisive for both regional stability and the broader security landscape of West Africa.
