Freetown, Sierra Leone — In a display of political cordiality, First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio engaged in a warm conversation with former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma shortly after his arrival at the Freetown International Airport on Sunday.
The encounter, documented in photographs circulating widely on social media, has captured public attention as the country hosts the high-profile 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Dr. Koroma, who served as Sierra Leone’s President from 2007 to 2018 and remains a prominent figure in regional affairs, is attending the summit as an invited guest. The former leader has been actively involved in post-presidency roles, including leading multiple election observation missions for the African Union and ECOWAS, and chairing initiatives like the Africa Drive for Democracy.
The meeting between the First Lady and the former president underscores a moment of unity in Sierra Leonean politics ahead of the regional gathering. Photos shared online show the pair exchanging pleasantries, highlighting respect across party lines despite the transition from the All People’s Congress (APC) administration under Koroma to the current Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government led by President Julius Maada Bio.
ECOWAS Summit in Focus
Sierra Leone is hosting the 69th ECOWAS Summit on July 19, 2026, at the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, with preparatory statutory meetings held from July 12–17 in Freetown. President Julius Maada Bio, current Chair of the ECOWAS Authority, is leading the event, which brings together heads of state and government from across West Africa.
Key agenda items include regional peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, trade, infrastructure development, and sustainable growth. The summit comes at a critical time as ECOWAS navigates challenges such as political transitions, security threats, and efforts to strengthen the bloc’s relevance in a changing regional landscape.
Notable arrivals already reported include Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Guinean President, General Mamady Doumbouya.
The gathering is viewed as an opportunity to reaffirm collective commitments to stability and cooperation in West Africa.
The summit concludes today, with expectations for strategic resolutions on pressing regional issues.
