By Marian Magdalene Bangura
Strategic Communications Unit, MoICE
At the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MOICE) weekly press briefing held on Tuesday, 1st June 2025, senior government officials provided critical updates on Sierra Leone’s recent leadership role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). A representative of one of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) also used the opportunity to commend the appointment of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio as Chair of ECOWAS and emphasized the significant benefits this leadership position brings to the country and its people.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, highlighted 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 focused on the restoration of constitutional order, the promotion of democratic governance, the strengthening of regional security, and the deepening of trade, investment, and integration among ECOWAS member states.
He noted that Sierra Leone is enjoying this prestigious position for the second time in history, a clear recognition of the country’s commitment to regional cooperation. Minister Kabba further cited achievements of ECOWAS such as the ECOWAS Passport, which facilitates free movement across the region, and stressed that West Africa remains strategically important to the global economy and peace architecture.
Among President Bio’s top priorities as 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. These priorities, according to the Minister, are already yielding results and align with broader ECOWAS objectives.
Responding to public concerns about the financial implications of Sierra Leone’s ECOWAS leadership, Minister Kabba clarified that the ECOWAS Commission will handle the bloc’s operational costs, while Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance will only support the Office of the President during his tenure. He reassured citizens that this support will not negatively impact the national economy, referencing the 0.5% ECOWAS levy as a sustainable source of funding.
Minister Kabba reflected on the support Sierra Leone once received from its West African neighbors during its conflict years, emphasizing that this moment presents an opportunity to give back and affirm Sierra Leone’s leadership on the international stage.
On the long-standing Yenga border dispute with Guinea, Minister Kabba expressed optimism for a peaceful resolution, citing Sierra Leone’s continued commitment to resolving the issue through diplomatic channels and in line with ECOWAS protocols.
Rt. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, a member of Sierra Leone’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, praised President Bio’s appointment, describing him as a respected statesman with both military and diplomatic expertise. He emphasized that these leadership qualities are critical for engaging with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which are currently outside the ECOWAS fold.
Hon. Lamina also outlined the potential benefits for Sierra Leone under President Bio’s ECOWAS chairmanship, 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 historic appointment and lauded the country’s enabling civic environment. She noted that civil society groups in Sierra Leone operate without fear or intimidation, unlike in some West African nations currently facing political restrictions.
She emphasized the pivotal role CSOs have played in restoring and sustaining democracy in Sierra Leone and the region. Madam Juliet called on President Bio to use his leadership to reactivate the West African Civil Society Organization Platform (WACSOP), enabling CSOs to work more effectively with governments to advance democratic progress.
On the Yenga border issue, she echoed hopes for a diplomatic resolution and expressed confidence that President Bio’s role as ECOWAS Chair presents a strategic opportunity to address the matter once and for all. She pledged civil society’s full support in fostering regional peace and democratic consolidation during this critical leadership period.
The appointment of President Julius Maada Bio as Chair of ECOWAS 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, promote integration, and position the country as a strong voice within the West African community and beyond.
