FREETOWN, SATURDAY 23RD DECEMBER 2023: The Government of Sierra Leone has issued a press statement on the distinguished delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) who touched down in Freetown to engage in high-level discussions with President Dr. Julius Maada Bio concerning Sierra Leone’s political landscape post the failed attempted coup on 26th November 2023.
This was made known in a press statement signed by Solomon Jamiru Esq. Press Secretary, Office of the President State House.
The esteemed delegation comprised H.E. Macky Sall of the Republic of Senegal, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission, and Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace & Security.
This visit follows the earlier delegation’s arrival on 27th November 2023, representing both the ECOWAS Commission and the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It aligns with the decisions made during the 64th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government on 10th December 2023 in Abuja, Federal Republic of Nigeria.
During this session, leaders discussed the sub-region’s political situation and adopted resolutions, including the deployment of a security mission to Sierra Leone.
The primary objectives of the delegation include gaining insights into the current political situation in Sierra Leone and assessing additional support ECOWAS can provide to bolster the government’s efforts in maintaining peace and security.
During the visit, the ECOWAS delegation reiterated its condemnation of the attempted coup, praising the courage of the security forces.
The delegation commended President Julius Maada Bio’s prompt actions in addressing the nation’s security challenges, applauding his commitment to upholding peace, democracy, and constitutional order.
Furthermore, the delegation expressed unwavering support for the democratically elected government of President Julius Maada Bio, emphasizing ECOWAS’s firm stance against unconstitutional changes of government.
In response, President Julius Maada Bio conveyed deep gratitude to the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President Macky Sall, President Nana Akufo-Addo, Dr. Omar Touray, Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, and fellow Heads of State and Government for their solidarity and special visit.
The President assured the delegation of his government’s commitment to due process, thanked ECOWAS for its security assistance pledge, and expressed readiness to collaborate with the mission.
