By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, in his capacity as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has on Tuesday, 5 August 2025 called for deeper engagement and stronger ties between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
The President made that appeal during a courtesy visit by His Excellency Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, to State House in Freetown.
Welcoming the delegation, President Bio underscored the urgent need for closer collaboration between the ECOWAS Authority and the Commission, stressing that enhanced relations with the AES nations are essential for boosting trade, ensuring the free movement of people and reinforcing peace and security across the region.
“It is imperative that we build a stronger relationship between ECOWAS and the AES nations and harness this partnership for the advancement of our Community,” President Bio affirmed.
He reiterated his commitment to supporting democratic transitions and credible electoral processes within the sub-region, citing ongoing political developments in Guinea, as well as the forthcoming elections in Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau.
President Bio also proposed the convening of a Special Summit to deliberate on the future of West Africa and the ECOWAS Community, particularly in light of its 50 years of cooperation, integration and shared development.
Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, in his briefing, provided an update on the current state of the ECOWAS Community, noting the considerable challenges facing the sub-region and pledging his readiness to work closely with President Bio to address them. His update covered political developments in several Member States, the status of the Community Levy and other key administrative matters.
In a significant development, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray confirmed that the Commission will soon implement the decision to deploy an assessment mission to Sierra Leone and Guinea. The mission aims to advance efforts in resolving the long-standing Yenga border dispute between the two nations.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both the ECOWAS Authority and the Commission to strengthen unity, promote democratic governance and safeguard peace and stability across West Africa.
