๐๐ซ๐๐ฌ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐, ๐๐จ๐ฎ๐๐ค๐๐ก๐จ๐ญ๐ญ, ๐๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ง๐ข๐, ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐๐ฒ, 15 ๐๐ฎ๐ง๐ 2026 – His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, held high-level talks with His Excellency President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on regional security, cooperation, and development.
President Bio conveyed warm greetings from the Government and people of Sierra Leone and commended President Ghazouaniโs leadership and Mauritaniaโs contribution to peace, security, and stability in the region.
The two leaders discussed the evolving security situation in the Sahel and West Africa, including terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, climate-related pressures, food insecurity, and population displacement. President Bio stressed that these interconnected challenges require coordinated regional responses, sustained dialogue, and stronger cooperation to preserve peace, constitutional order, and social cohesion.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional solidarity and advancing practical solutions for peace, stability, and sustainable development. He described Mauritania as a strategic bridge between the Maghreb, the Sahel, and West Africa, noting that its experience in combating terrorism and strengthening border security makes it an indispensable partner in regional peace efforts.
President Bio underscored the importance of deepening cooperation between Mauritania and ECOWAS, noting that stronger institutional engagement would help address shared challenges, expand trade and investment, facilitate the movement of people and goods, and advance regional integration.
Beyond regional issues, the President identified fisheries, maritime security, agriculture, trade, mining, renewable energy, education, and capacity building as priority areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation. He also highlighted the need to protect maritime resources, combat illegal fishing, and promote the blue economy while leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Bio further commended Mauritaniaโs constructive role within the African Union and called for stronger African unity on key priorities, including peace and security, climate resilience, food security, youth empowerment, sustainable development, and global governance reform.
In response, President Ghazouani thanked President Bio for honouring his invitation and praised his leadership as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority. He reaffirmed Mauritaniaโs commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sierra Leone.
The Mauritanian leader also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel, pledged continued cooperation with ECOWAS, and proposed a special regional summit to address emerging security threats across West Africa and the Sahel.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation between Mauritania and ECOWAS, deepening bilateral relations, and working together to advance peace, security, stability, regional integration, and sustainable development across West Africa and the Sahel.
Credit: State House Media and Communications Unit
