Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Musa Kabba, has outlined the key priorities for President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership as the newly appointed Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), describing the role as both a regional turning point and a significant achievement for Sierra Leone.
Addressing journalists at the weekly government press briefing in Freetown on Tuesday, Kabba—joined by Minister of Civic Education and Information, Chernor Bah—emphasised four main focus areas for Bio’s tenure: restoring democracy, upholding constitutional order, deepening democratic governance, and advancing economic cooperation across the ECOWAS region.
Kabba said President Bio is already championing initiatives aimed at removing trade barriers and taxes that hinder the free movement of goods and services among ECOWAS member states.
“The President is committed to building stronger economic ties and ensuring a more integrated West Africa,” Kabba stated.
He hailed Bio’s elevation to the ECOWAS chairmanship as a milestone for the nation, noting that it places Sierra Leone at the heart of key regional decision-making processes.
“This appointment is a reflection of President Bio’s leadership and his unwavering support for democratic values and regional solidarity,” Kabba said.
The Foreign Minister pointed to ongoing challenges within the ECOWAS bloc—including violent extremism, civil unrest, climate change, and economic instability—but expressed confidence that President Bio would tackle them with decisive action and collaborative diplomacy.
“Under President Bio’s leadership, we anticipate tangible progress in peacebuilding, sustainable development, and regional stability,” he affirmed.
Kabba also spoke on the strategic importance of ECOWAS membership, highlighting benefits such as the ECOWAS passport and the potential for economic growth and cross-border collaboration.
He further commended President Bio’s diplomatic push to resolve the Yenga border dispute with Guinea, describing it as a top foreign policy priority.
“This is a moment of pride and responsibility for Sierra Leone,” Kabba concluded. “We are ready to lead and to contribute meaningfully to the future of West Africa.”
