By: James Kamara-Manneh
It was more or less a show-off of military might from Guinea military leader Col. Mamady Doumbouya when he triumphantly entered Sierra Leone to visit Rtd. Brig. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio on Friday 28th September 2022. Many said the visit was guarded towards the strengthening of the mutual bilateral relationship between the two sister Countries.
With a huge military escort, Col. Doumbouya arrived in Freetown on a one-day bilateral state visit to the country.
VP Juldeh Jalloh welcomed the Guinean President at our Kambia District border and drove together to State House, where President Bio was waiting to receive the Head of State from the Republic of Guinea. The military leader was also received by the IGP and CDS.
Speaking to President Bio at the State House, President Mamady Doumbouya expressed his delight and appreciation for the warm reception in Sierra Leone. He reaffirmed his country’s commitment to maintaining strong ties between the two countries and promoting issues of common interest.
In response, President Bio thanked Colonel Doumbouya for his visit and reassured him that he is always welcome in Sierra Leone as the two sister countries share several borders and mutual interests
However, Political analysis adds the one-day working visit focuses on security cooperation issues, the restoration of constitutional order in the Republic of Guinea and the ECOWAS democratic transition roadmap.
It should be noted that although the Republic of Guinea was suspended by ECOWAS from all Community activities due to the military coup, ECOWAS member states are not prevented from engaging the Republic of Guinea on bilateral issues.
However, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya returned home after holding successful bilateral discussions with President Bio.
