By Joy Odor, Freetown
In a renewed effort to stabilize and integrate West Africa, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the newly elected Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, has called for a stronger strategic partnership between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
President Bio made the call during a high-level meeting with the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, who paid him a courtesy visit in Freetown as part of a two-day working mission.
Highlighting the growing geopolitical and economic challenges in the region, President Bio said the time had come for ECOWAS to deepen engagement with AES countries, stressing that collective action is key to fostering cross-border trade, regional integration, and long-term peace and security.
“We must strengthen our institutional cooperation with the Alliance of Sahel States. The future of West Africa depends on unity, shared prosperity, and coordinated action. Trade, free movement, and security cannot flourish in isolation,” President Bio said.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to democratic principles and electoral stability, pledging support for transitional processes in Guinea and peaceful upcoming elections in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau.
To chart a clear path for the bloc’s future, he proposed the convening of a Special Summit to assess and redefine ECOWAS’ role, 50 years after its establishment.
Dr. Touray, in his briefing to the Chairman, acknowledged the scale of challenges facing the region but expressed confidence in ECOWAS’ ability to deliver solutions under President Bio’s leadership.
He outlined key regional issues, including political transitions, financial sustainability through the Community Levy, and the need to restore cohesion among member states.
Dr. Touray also assured the Chairman of the Commission’s readiness to support his vision and disclosed plans to deploy an assessment mission to Sierra Leone and Guinea to help resolve the protracted Yenga border dispute, a move expected to ease tensions and reinforce bilateral trust.
“The ECOWAS Commission stands ready to support your leadership in this critical period. With collaboration and strong political will, we can navigate the regional complexities and renew our collective commitment to peace, democracy, and development,” Dr. Touray stated.
The working visit also included engagements with top Sierra Leonean government officials, including the Chief Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister and Deputy, the Minister of Planning and Economic Development, and the Minister of Gender. Dr. Touray was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Abdou Kolley.
