The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has commended the Government of Sierra Leone, led by President Julius Maada Bio, for facilitating the return of former President Ernest Bai Koroma to the country.
In a press release issued in Abuja on September 6, 2026, ECOWAS said the development followed the government’s decision to discontinue charges against the former president in the interest of “national reconciliation, unity, and lasting peace.”
The regional bloc also expressed appreciation to ECOWAS leaders, particularly Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for hosting former President Koroma and facilitating his safe return to Sierra Leone.
“The Commission remains committed to working closely with the Government and the people of Sierra Leone, and international partners, in support of efforts to consolidate peace, stability, democratic governance, and sustainable development in the country,” the statement said.
In the same release, ECOWAS said it is implementing strategic programmes aimed at deepening integration among its citizens and removing barriers to greater regional cooperation.
The Commission noted that the region has a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$734.8 billion, covering key sectors including trade, energy, agriculture, and telecommunications.
It added that the ECOWAS budget is mainly financed through a 0.5 percent Community Levy imposed on goods imported from non-ECOWAS countries.
According to the Commission, its long-term goal is to transform the region from an “ECOWAS of States” into an “ECOWAS of the People: Peace and Prosperity to All” by 2050.
ECOWAS currently comprises 12 member states: Benin, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo.
Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger officially withdrew from the regional bloc on January 29, 2025.