State House, Freetown – Monday, 3 August 2026- Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Monday received His Excellency President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema of the Gabonese Republic at State House in Freetown for high-level bilateral talks.
The two leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in natural resources, agriculture, maritime security, trade and democratic governance, marking what President Bio described as the start of “a more ambitious chapter” in Sierra Leone–Gabon relations.
President Bio welcomed President Oligui Nguema and his delegation, noting the shared history between Freetown and Libreville. Both cities were founded as symbols of freedom and hope, he said, reflecting common values of liberty, dignity and African resilience.
He congratulated the Gabonese leader on his election and Gabon’s peaceful return to constitutional rule, praising his efforts to maintain stability and renew institutions during the transition.
President Bio outlined three immediate priorities: putting the Sierra Leone–Gabon Joint Communiqué for Cooperation into action, launching structured collaboration in natural resources, agriculture and maritime security, and drawing up a clear implementation roadmap through the two Foreign Affairs Ministries.
“Our longstanding friendship should now evolve into a structured and results-oriented strategic partnership,” President Bio stated.
He offered to share Sierra Leone’s experience in democratic governance, decentralisation, anti-corruption, public sector reform and accountability.
He highlighted opportunities for more trade and investment, calling for stronger links between investment agencies, chambers of commerce and the private sector.
President Bio invited Gabonese investors into agriculture, mining, fisheries, energy, infrastructure, tourism and logistics, while encouraging Sierra Leonean businesses to look at opportunities in Gabon.
He also pushed for better air links, easier travel and the removal of barriers to trade, tourism and people-to-people contact, urging both countries to take full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“As resource-rich African nations, we have a shared responsibility to ensure that our natural wealth generates jobs, public revenue, industrial development and improved living standards,” he said.
He called for closer work on mining governance, petroleum regulation, local content, transparency and environmental management.
President Bio urged ministers and officials to finalise priority agreements, appoint focal points and set clear timelines, stressing that success must be measured by real improvements in the lives of ordinary Sierra Leoneans and Gabonese.
As a gesture of friendship, he presented President Oligui Nguema with a traditional artefact on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone.
In response, President Oligui Nguema thanked President Bio for the warm welcome and expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s support during his inauguration in May 2025.
He said the talks allowed both sides to review existing cooperation and identify new areas of partnership, calling for formal agreements and greater investment from businesses in both countries.
The Gabonese President also thanked Sierra Leone and other African nations for supporting Gabon’s seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council.
He stressed the need for joint action against illegal fishing, sustainable management of natural resources and stronger maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.
On regional issues, he called for continued dialogue to address challenges involving the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to turn the longstanding friendship between Sierra Leone and Gabon into a strategic partnership that will deliver regional stability, economic growth and sustainable development for their peoples.
