By: Saidu Jalloh
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, has said Sierra Leone’s growing influence within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) reflects the visionary leadership of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Speaking at the Government’s Weekly Press Conference, organized by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education in Freetown on Tuesday, Minister Kabba emphasized that peace and security remain the foundation of regional integration and sustainable economic development. He noted that ECOWAS continues to play a pivotal role in addressing the West African sub-region’s evolving security, governance and development challenges.
The Minister explained that although ECOWAS was established primarily to promote economic cooperation and regional integration, the organisation has progressively expanded its mandate to address terrorism, political instability, unconstitutional changes of government and other emerging threats to regional peace and stability.
He commended President Bio for championing constitutional order, democratic governance and collective security across West Africa, describing Sierra Leone’s leadership of the regional bloc as a significant contribution to strengthening solidarity and cooperation among ECOWAS member states.
Looking ahead to the forthcoming ECOWAS statutory meetings, Minister Kabba expressed confidence that discussions involving ambassadors, ministers and Heads of State and Government would further advance the organisation’s objectives of promoting peace, security, democratic governance and economic integration across the region.
He described Sierra Leone’s hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit as a landmark moment in the country’s diplomatic history and a testament to the confidence that member states have in its political stability, leadership and capacity to successfully organize high-level international engagements.
Minister Kabba recalled that Sierra Leone has remained a committed member of ECOWAS since the organization’s establishment in 1975, consistently contributing to regional peacebuilding, democratic governance and economic integration.
He further stated that under President Bio’s leadership, Sierra Leone has evolved from post-war recovery to becoming a respected voice in regional and continental affairs, as well as a trusted partner in advancing Africa’s peace, security and sustainable development agenda.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Kabba said the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit would not only strengthen cooperation among member states but also provide Sierra Leone with an opportunity to showcase its democratic progress, resilience, hospitality and unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security and shared prosperity across West Africa.