Accra, Ghana – In a stark warning to regional leaders, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who currently heads the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has called for deeper collaboration and global backing to stem the tide of security challenges plaguing West Africa.
Speaking at a high-level ECOWAS consultative meeting in Accra on January 30, 2026, Bio highlighted the urgent need for a united front, arguing that isolated efforts by individual countries are no longer sufficient to combat the growing threats.
Bio pointed out that terrorist activities and violent extremism are becoming more sophisticated and interconnected across borders, demanding a coordinated response. He advocated for enhanced intelligence exchange, improved border controls, and the bolstering of existing ECOWAS frameworks, such as the Accra Initiative and early warning networks.
Beyond military measures, the president underscored the role of effective governance, economic inclusion, and initiatives to empower young people and women as key strategies to curb radicalization and build long-term stability.
Appealing to the international community, Bio stressed the value of supporting solutions driven by African nations themselves.
He wrapped up his address by reminding attendees that the security of one West African country is intertwined with the others, urging immediate steps to turn pledges into tangible results amid the escalating crisis in areas like the Central Sahel.
