President Dr. Julius Maada Bio received Mamadou Tangara, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission for Mali and the Sahel and Head of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), on Tuesday, 10 March 2026, during a courtesy visit at State House in Freetown.
The visit formed part of a broader regional engagement by the African Union envoy aimed at developing a roadmap to enhance collaboration between the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Introducing the visiting delegation, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Timothy Musa Kabba, explained that Dr. Mamadou Tangara’s mission was to brief President Bio, who currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, on the outcome of his consultations with regional leaders and key stakeholders.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Mamadou Tangara conveyed warm greetings from the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and expressed appreciation for President Bio’s continued leadership in promoting peace, stability and cooperation across the West African sub-region.
The AU Special Representative also updated the President on his recent engagements with leaders of the Alliance of Sahel States, which comprises Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger. According to Dr. Mamadou Tangara, discussions with the AES leadership have focused on exploring avenues for constructive dialogue and building a framework that could strengthen cooperation between the Sahel alliance and ECOWAS.
He noted that since the establishment of the AES in September 2023, there have been indications of growing openness toward broader regional engagement. Dr. Mamadou Tangara pointed out that the participation of non-AES countries in certain alliance activities has signaled a willingness to maintain channels of communication, which he described as an encouraging development for renewed regional dialogue.
Responding to the briefing, President Bio congratulated Dr. Mamadou Tangara on his appointment and welcomed the African Union’s initiative to promote dialogue and cooperation among regional blocs. The President noted that ECOWAS leaders have been anticipating constructive engagement with the AES countries as part of broader efforts to preserve stability and unity in the region.
President Bio emphasized that strengthening regional integration remains a key priority for ECOWAS under his leadership. He reiterated his commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at restoring cooperation between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States.
The President further stressed that the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS in January 2024 does not serve the long-term interests of the region. He maintained that sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain essential to fostering reconciliation and rebuilding trust among West African nations.
Reaffirming his dedication to the cause of regional unity, President Bio assured the AU Special Representative of his full support in advancing ongoing efforts to promote peace, stability and cooperation across West Africa.
The meeting underscored the growing role of diplomacy and regional dialogue in addressing political and security challenges in the Sahel and the wider ECOWAS community. Observers say continued engagement between the African Union, ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States could play a critical role in shaping a pathway toward renewed cooperation and long-term regional stability.
