By: Marian Magdalene Bangura
At the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) weekly press briefing held on Tuesday, 1st June 2025, senior government officials and representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) praised the appointment of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio as Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). They highlighted the national and regional significance of this prestigious leadership role and the benefits it presents for Sierra Leone and the wider West African region.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, emphasized the importance of President Bio’s appointment as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. He described the President’s vision as one rooted in restoring constitutional order, promoting democratic governance, strengthening regional security, and enhancing trade, investment, and integration among member states.
Minister Kabba noted that this is only the second time in Sierra Leone’s history that the country has held this prominent position, reflecting international recognition of Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional cooperation. He cited major ECOWAS achievements such as the ECOWAS passport, which facilitates free movement across the region, and underscored West Africa’s strategic importance in global economic and peace efforts.
Among President Bio’s top priorities as ECOWAS Chair, Minister Kabba highlighted the elimination of unnecessary trade barriers, enhanced transnational trade, and the promotion of peace, security, and investment opportunities across the region. He noted that these priorities are already showing positive results and align with broader ECOWAS objectives.
Addressing public concerns about the financial implications of Sierra Leone’s ECOWAS leadership, Minister Kabba clarified that operational costs will be covered by the ECOWAS Commission. Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance will only provide logistical support to the Office of the President during his tenure. He reassured the public that this support will not burden the national economy, citing the 0.5% ECOWAS levy as a sustainable funding source.
Reflecting on the support Sierra Leone received from West African nations during its civil conflict, Minister Kabba emphasized that this leadership role offers the country a valuable opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the region.
Regarding the long-standing Yenga border dispute with Guinea, Minister Kabba expressed optimism for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution in line with ECOWAS protocols, reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional peace.
Rt. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, a member of Sierra Leone’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, commended President Bio’s appointment, describing him as a respected statesman with both military and diplomatic expertise. He emphasized that these qualities are essential in addressing complex regional challenges, particularly with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which are currently suspended from ECOWAS.
Hon. Lamina also outlined the potential benefits for Sierra Leone under President Bio’s leadership, including increased regional trade, growth in tourism, enhanced military cooperation, and improved diplomatic standing. He revealed that the ECOWAS Standby Force depot in Lungi is now 95% complete and will soon serve as a strategic regional hub for security coordination.
Madam Juliet Anderson, National Coordinator of the Civil Society Movement Sierra Leone, congratulated President Bio on his appointment and applauded the country’s civic environment, where CSOs operate freely and without fear unlike in some neighboring countries facing political restrictions.
She emphasized the critical role CSOs have played in restoring and sustaining democracy in Sierra Leone and across the region. Madam Anderson called on President Bio to reactivate the West African Civil Society Organization Platform (WACSOP), enabling CSOs to collaborate more effectively with governments in advancing democratic governance.
On the Yenga border issue, she echoed the Minister’s hopes for a peaceful resolution and expressed confidence that President Bio’s role as ECOWAS Chair presents a unique opportunity to resolve the matter diplomatically. She pledged civil society’s full support in promoting regional peace and democratic progress during this important period of leadership.
President Julius Maada Bio’s appointment as ECOWAS Chair has been widely welcomed by government stakeholders and civil society organizations. His leadership is seen not only as a recognition of Sierra Leone’s progress but also as an opportunity to shape regional policy, deepen integration, and elevate the country’s standing within the West African community and beyond.