By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and President of Sierra Leone, has held high-level bilateral talks with President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, focusing on regional security, economic cooperation and sustainable development across West Africa and the Sahel.
The meeting took place on Monday, 15 June 2026, at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott, where the two leaders exchanged views on a range of pressing regional and continental issues affecting peace, stability and development.
During the discussions, President Bio conveyed warm greetings from the Government and people of Sierra Leone and commended President Ghazouani for his leadership and Mauritania’s continued contribution to promoting peace, security and stability in the region.
A major focus of the talks was the evolving security situation across the Sahel and West Africa. Both leaders expressed concern over the growing threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, climate-related challenges, food insecurity and population displacement.
President Bio emphasized that these interconnected challenges require coordinated regional action, stronger partnerships and sustained dialogue among African nations. He stressed the importance of collective efforts aimed at preserving peace, constitutional order and social cohesion across the region.
Speaking in his capacity as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional solidarity and advancing practical solutions that support peace, stability and sustainable development. He described Mauritania as a strategic link between the Maghreb, the Sahel and West Africa, noting that the country’s experience in counter-terrorism and border security makes it a valuable partner in regional peacebuilding efforts.
The Sierra Leonean leader also underscored the need for deeper cooperation between Mauritania and ECOWAS, arguing that stronger institutional engagement would help address common challenges while promoting trade, investment, regional integration and the free movement of people and goods.
Beyond security matters, President Bio highlighted several areas for enhanced bilateral cooperation, including fisheries, maritime security, agriculture, trade, mining, renewable energy, education and capacity building. He further stressed the need to protect marine resources, combat illegal fishing and unlock opportunities within the blue economy while maximizing the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Bio also praised Mauritania’s active role within the African Union and called for stronger African unity in addressing key priorities such as climate resilience, food security, youth empowerment, sustainable development and reforms to global governance structures.
In response, President Ghazouani thanked President Bio for honouring his invitation and commended his leadership of the ECOWAS Authority. He reaffirmed Mauritania’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sierra Leone and expanding cooperation with ECOWAS.
The Mauritanian President also expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and pledged continued collaboration with ECOWAS. He further proposed the convening of a special regional summit dedicated to addressing emerging security threats facing West Africa and the Sahel.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their shared commitment to deepening cooperation between Mauritania and ECOWAS, strengthening bilateral relations, and working collectively to advance peace, security, stability, regional integration and sustainable development throughout West Africa and the Sahel.
