Freetown, 23 June 2025 – Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, has announced his priorities as the newly appointed Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). In a statement shared on social media, President Bio outlined four key areas of focus aimed at strengthening the regional bloc’s stability and progress.
Firstly, Bio emphasised the restoration of constitutional order and the deepening of democratic principles across member states. This commitment comes amid ongoing challenges in the region, where democratic governance has faced setbacks in some countries.
Secondly, the Sierra Leonean leader pledged to revitalise regional security cooperation. With West Africa grappling with rising insurgencies and cross-border threats, Bio’s agenda seeks to enhance collaborative efforts to ensure peace and stability.
Thirdly, economic integration will be a cornerstone of his tenure. By unlocking opportunities for trade and investment, Bio aims to bolster the region’s economic resilience and foster shared prosperity among ECOWAS nations.
Finally, President Bio underscored the importance of building institutional credibility. Strengthening the trust and effectiveness of ECOWAS institutions, he argued, is essential for the organisation to deliver on its mandate.
As Chair, President Bio takes on a critical role in steering ECOWAS through a complex regional landscape. His leadership will be closely watched as West Africa seeks to address its multifaceted challenges while capitalising on opportunities for growth and unity.
