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ECOWAS Council Chair Opens 96th Ordinary Session of Council of Ministers in Freetown

July 17, 2026

Group of regional leaders and officials standing on stairs at a conference, with a green banner and event logos in the background.

Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, on Thursday, 16 July 2026, opened the 96th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Aberdeen, Freetown.

The meeting, held ahead of the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, brought together Foreign Ministers, Heads of Delegation, Commissioners, Ambassadors, Permanent Representatives, development partners, diplomats and representatives of ECOWAS institutions.

Addressing delegates, Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba called on West African leaders to strengthen regional unity and cooperation in confronting the political, economic and security challenges facing the sub-region.

Welcoming participants to Sierra Leone, he described the gathering as a moment in the history of ECOWAS and expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Sierra Leone to lead the Council during a critical period.

The Minister noted that Sierra Leone does not take its leadership responsibility lightly, recalling the country’s sacrifices for regional peace and stability and reaffirming its commitment to the objectives of the regional body.

He acknowledged that ECOWAS has made progress since its establishment in 1975, particularly in promoting regional integration, facilitating the free movement of people and goods, advancing economic cooperation and supporting peace and security.

However, he warned that the region continues to face challenges, including geopolitical uncertainty, climate change, youth unemployment, gender inequality, food insecurity, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organized crime, irregular migration and unconstitutional changes of Government.

He stressed that the strength of ECOWAS lies not only in its institutions, but also in the unity, solidarity and political will of its members.

According to him upholding those principles would help ECOWAS preserve peace, strengthen democratic governance, deepen economic integration and improve the lives of more than 400 million citizens across West Africa.

The Minister said the agenda covers issues affecting the future of the Community, including institutional reforms, regional peace and security, infrastructure development, trade, investment, humanitarian concerns and implementation of decisions taken by the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba therefore urged delegates to remain guided by the founding principles of ECOWAS, including democratic governance, constitutional order, peaceful settlement of disputes, good neighbourliness and regional economic integration.

He reminded participants that their deliberations would determine whether ECOWAS rises to meet the expectations of West Africans or allows insecurity, poverty, inequality and injustice to persist.

The Minister informed that citizens expect a responsive, united and innovative ECOWAS capable of addressing emerging challenges while delivering tangible benefits in peace, security, economic opportunity and social progress.

He encouraged delegations to participate constructively during the two-day meeting, stressing that discussions should be inclusive, transparent, focused and results-oriented.

The Chair of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers said the Council must go beyond declarations and produce practical recommendations that respond to the aspirations of the people and strengthen regional institutions.

Reaffirming Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional integration, he highlighted the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, who serves as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.

He said Sierra Leone remains committed to peacebuilding, democratic governance, gender equality, youth empowerment, human capital development and sustainable economic transformation throughout the region.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s journey from conflict to peace, Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba said the country’s experience demonstrates that dialogue, solidarity and mutual respect remain effective pathways to lasting peace and development.

Concluding his remarks, the Chair of the 96th Ordinary Session of Council of Ministers, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, thanked delegates for attending and encouraged them to experience Sierra Leone’s hospitality and cultural heritage during their stay.

He officially declared the session open and called for wisdom, mutual respect and renewed commitment to advancing the interests of West Africa and its people.

Earlier, President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, reflected on the achievements and challenges of his four-year tenure, describing regional unity, institutional reforms and economic integration as essential to West Africa’s future.

He also commended Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, for his leadership as Chair of the Council, saying the Council had continued to provide strategic direction and oversight in implementing ECOWAS programmes and policies.

The Commission President noted that the meeting was significant because it was the final ordinary session of the Council of Ministers he would address in his capacity.

Reflecting on his tenure, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the Commission had worked closely with Member States and the Council to advance the vision of ECOWAS despite unprecedented regional and global challenges.

He cited political transitions, growing security threats, economic uncertainty, a fragile international environment and the withdrawal of three Member States as difficulties confronting the organization.

Despite those challenges, he said the Commission remained committed to implementing decisions of the Authority, preserving institutional stability, maintaining dialogue and ensuring continuity of programmes.

H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray highlighted reforms that strengthened governance, accountability and institutional performance, including the operationalization of the Permanent Representatives Committee as an advisory body to the Council.

He also mentioned the completion of a joint border post between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana, the establishment of the ECOWAS Business Council under Aliko Dangote and the relocation of the Commission to its new headquarters in Abuja.

According to him, those milestones demonstrate the determination of Member States to build stronger institutions capable of serving West Africans more effectively.

He urged Member States to build on the momentum of ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary by translating the organization’s vision into practical actions.

The Commission President said the Council would consider the 2026 Interim Report on the State of the Community, ECOWAS’ financial position, implementation of previous decisions and reports from statutory committees.

The meeting will also examine initiatives on digital transformation, investment promotion, cultural cooperation, gender equality, telecommunications, agriculture, trade, science, innovation and relations with the Alliance of Sahel States.

H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray expressed gratitude to Member States, development partners, commissioners, heads of institutions and ECOWAS staff, saying progress achieved during his tenure resulted from collective effort.

He concluded by expressing confidence that ECOWAS possesses the resilience, institutional capacity and political will required to advance peace, stability, economic integration and sustainable development across West Africa.

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma Cleared to Return Home After Treason Charges Are Dropped

July 15, 2026

The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., has formally discontinued the criminal proceedings against former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, bringing an end to the treason-related case that had been before the courts.

“Today, pursuant to Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024, I have filed papers to discontinue charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma, who has been on bail for medical reasons following his arraignment before a magistrate. With this discontinuance, as provided in Section 45 of the said Criminal Procedure Act, ‘his recognizances shall be discharged’ immediately,” the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice stated.

In a public notice issued on Tuesday, 14 July, 2026, the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice announced that a notice had been filed to discontinue the proceedings in accordance with Section 45 of the Criminal Procedure Act, 2024.

According to the notice, the decision was taken under the constitutional and statutory powers vested in the Attorney-General by the laws of Sierra Leone.

Former President Ernest Bai Koroma had been facing charges relating to treason and misprision of treason. He had previously been granted bail on medical grounds and has been residing outside the country for medical treatment.

The Attorney-General’s filing means that the criminal proceedings are no longer before the court, effectively bringing the case to a close. Consequently, the former President’s bail has also come to an end with immediate effect.

The Government further stated that, following the discontinuance of the charges, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma is now free to return to Sierra Leone upon the completion of his medical treatment or at any other time of his choosing.

The announcement marks a significant development in Sierra Leone’s political and legal landscape, particularly as the country hosts the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, and is expected to generate widespread public and political reaction in the coming days.

In his response, Former President Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma has welcomed the Government of Sierra Leone’s decision to discontinue the criminal proceedings instituted against him, describing the development as the triumph of peace, justice and reconciliation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, from Abuja, Nigeria, the former President said he had received the announcement by the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice confirming that the criminal proceedings against him had been discontinued in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone. The Attorney-General’s Office earlier announced that the proceedings had been formally withdrawn, bringing the high-profile case to an end.

Koroma expressed gratitude to God for what he described as His grace and mercy throughout the legal process, saying his faith had remained steadfast during the difficult period.

“I thank the Almighty God for the infinite grace and mercy to me and my family throughout this difficult period. My faith has remained anchored in His providence and in the enduring conviction that peace, justice and reconciliation must always triumph over adversity,” he stated.

The former President also acknowledged the role played by President Julius Maada Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone in bringing the matter to a close.

He said he appreciated the efforts of all those who, guided by the Constitution and the rule of law, contributed to the resolution of the case.

Koroma further expressed profound appreciation to the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and former Heads of State for their commitment to promoting peace, dialogue and regional stability.

He paid special tribute to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as exemplary leadership, personal commitment and steadfast support throughout the process.

Koroma also thanked the Government and people of Nigeria, as well as the country’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for the hospitality, friendship and support extended to him since his arrival in Abuja for medical treatment.

Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s political history, the former President said the country has overcome many challenges by placing national interest above individual considerations and by strengthening unity and dialogue.

“Our country has overcome far greater trials because we have always found the wisdom to place nation above self, to build bridges of understanding, strengthen the bonds that unite us and work together in pursuit of a stable and prosperous Sierra Leone for present and future generations,” he noted.

Koroma reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that promote national peace, democratic governance and the welfare of Sierra Leoneans.

“I remain committed to every sincere effort that advances peace, strengthens our democracy and promotes the welfare of our people,” he concluded.

Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu Chairs Historic 59th UNCITRAL Session in New York

July 15, 2026

Sierra Leone has concluded a landmark tenure as Chair of the 59th Session of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), with the Commission adopting several historic reforms aimed at strengthening international trade law and improving access to global dispute resolution mechanisms.

The session, held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 29 June to 10 July 2026, was chaired by H.E. Dr. Michael Imran Kanu, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations. The meeting produced significant outcomes as UNCITRAL prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

Among the most notable achievements was the completion of reforms to the investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) system. Delegates finalized the draft Statute establishing the Advisory Centre on International Investment Dispute Resolution, which will now be submitted to the United Nations General Assembly for adoption. The Commission also approved the UNCITRAL Supplementary Provisions on the Conduct of Proceedings to Resolve International Investment Disputes, marking a major step towards making international investment arbitration more accessible and affordable, particularly for developing countries.

The Commission also made substantial progress in modernizing international arbitration for the digital era. It adopted a recommendation on interpreting the New York Convention concerning arbitral awards issued in electronic form, approved revisions to the UNCITRAL Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, and endorsed an additional note to the UNCITRAL Notes on Organizing Arbitral Proceedings. These reforms are expected to strengthen legal certainty and promote the use of digital technologies in international arbitration.

Looking to the future, member states agreed on an ambitious work programme covering several emerging areas of international trade law. The Commission approved future work on dispute resolution in the digital economy, consolidation of e-commerce legal texts, paperless trade, digital payments, digital platforms, secured transactions involving digital assets, insolvency law, public procurement, and automated contracting.

During the session, delegates also paid tribute to the late H.E. Ms. Julia Emma Villatoro Tario of El Salvador, who served as Chair of the Commission’s 58th session, recognizing her valuable contributions to the advancement of international trade law.

UNCITRAL also announced that the United Nations Convention on Negotiable Cargo Documents will open for signature in Accra, Ghana, on 26 October 2026, marking a significant milestone for Africa. In addition, the Commission will commemorate its 60th anniversary with events worldwide from July 2026 to July 2027, culminating in a global celebration in Vienna on 17 December 2026.

Sierra Leone’s successful chairmanship of the 59th session underscores the country’s growing influence in international diplomacy and reflects its commitment to multilateral cooperation, the harmonization of international trade law, and the promotion of a more inclusive global trading system.

Attorney General Lays African Human Rights Court Protocol Before Parliament

July 15, 2026

Smiling man in a navy suit holding pink notes at a formal meeting or ceremony in a conference room; attendees in the background.

The Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay Esq., on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, laid before Parliament the Protocol to the African Charter on the Establishment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, marking the first formal step toward Sierra Leone becoming a State Party to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

The Protocol was tabled during a parliamentary sitting at the House of Parliament, Tower Hill, Freetown. The move coincides with the 20th anniversary of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, making Sierra Leone’s action particularly significant as African nations commemorate two decades of strengthening continental mechanisms for the promotion and protection of human rights.

Once ratified, the Protocol will enable Sierra Leone to participate more actively in Africa’s regional human rights system while reaffirming the country’s commitment to the principles of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. The ratification process also underscores the Government’s continued efforts to uphold the rule of law, strengthen judicial cooperation, and promote the protection of fundamental rights.

The latest initiative forms part of broader legal and judicial reforms being undertaken by the Government to align Sierra Leone’s legal framework with regional and international standards. Authorities say the process reflects the country’s determination to modernise its justice system and reinforce constitutional governance.

Sierra Leone has also continued to strengthen its engagement with international intellectual property regimes by aligning itself with key treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO).

These include the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, the Madrid Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Marks, the Rome Convention for the Protection of Performers, Producers of Phonograms and Broadcasting Organisations, the WIPO Copyright Treaty, the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty, the Singapore Treaty on the Law of Trademarks, the Budapest Treaty, the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs, the Lisbon Agreement, the Banjul Protocol on Marks, and the Protocol on the Voluntary Registration of Copyright and Related Rights, among other international legal instruments.

According to legal experts, participation in these regional and international treaties strengthens the protection of copyrights, trademarks, patents, industrial designs, geographical indications, performers’ rights, and other intellectual property rights. The agreements also encourage innovation, creativity, investment, technology transfer, and sustainable economic development.

The Protocol will now proceed through Parliament’s ratification process. Upon approval, Sierra Leone will deposit its instrument of ratification and formally become a State Party to the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights, further consolidating its commitment to human rights, access to justice, and regional legal cooperation.

SLMARAD Records Historic Progress as Sierra Leone Climbs Global Maritime Rankings

July 15, 2026

Blue cargo ship named FREETOWN docked at a port, with 'BEWARE OF SNAP BACK ZONE' on the white superstructure.

The Sierra Leone Maritime Administration (SLMARAD) has achieved its strongest performance to date in the latest Paris Memorandum of Understanding (Paris MoU) Flag Performance List, moving the country’s ship registry significantly closer to attaining the prestigious White List status.

The latest rankings, which came into effect on 1 July 2026, are based on Port State Control inspections and vessel detention records covering the 2023–2025 assessment period. They represent one of the international maritime industry’s most respected benchmarks for evaluating the safety, quality and regulatory performance of national ship registries.

According to the latest assessment, the Sierra Leone Flag recorded 172 Port State Control inspections and only 10 detentions, resulting in an Excess Factor of 0.33. The performance reflects sustained improvements in fleet quality, regulatory oversight and compliance with international maritime standards.

Compared with the previous assessment period, Sierra Leone successfully reduced the number of vessel detentions while maintaining a similar level of inspections, demonstrating continued progress in strengthening the country’s maritime regulatory framework. The latest results place Sierra Leone ahead of several established registries on the Paris MoU Grey List, including Thailand, the Philippines, Egypt and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Under the Paris MoU methodology, reducing the total number of vessel detentions by just four during the three-year assessment period would have been sufficient to move Sierra Leone onto the White List, underscoring the country’s remarkable progress in recent years.

Commenting on the achievement, SLMARAD Technical Manager Alexandros Stylianou said improving Port State Control performance requires consistent technical oversight, disciplined fleet management and a long-term commitment to quality.

He noted that the latest results demonstrate the effectiveness of the measures introduced by the Administration, adding that they have strengthened confidence in the Sierra Leone Flag within the global shipping industry.

SLMARAD stated that it has continued to strengthen its technical oversight through enhanced fleet monitoring, compliance verification and a sustained focus on quality management. Those initiatives form part of the Administration’s broader strategy to improve fleet performance while providing shipowners with efficient and professional flag administration services.

The Administration’s Business Development Manager said the organization’s ambition extends beyond improving its international ranking. He explained that SLMARAD remains committed to providing shipowners with a reliable and efficient flag administration that promotes safe operations and full compliance with international maritime regulations while continuing efforts to achieve White List status.

The Paris MoU White, Grey and Black Lists classify flag administrations based on their safety and compliance records over a rolling three-year period. The rankings are widely used by shipowners, charterers, insurers and maritime stakeholders worldwide to assess the quality and credibility of national ship registries.

Bio Receives New Envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola, Reaffirms Commitment to Stronger Bilateral Relations

July 15, 2026

President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, regional cooperation and international partnerships after receiving the Letters of Credence of newly accredited envoys from Nigeria, Jamaica and Angola during a formal ceremony at State House.

The ceremony, held on Thursday, 9 July 2026, also included the presentation of the Letters of Recall of the diplomats’ predecessors, officially recognizing the new representatives of their respective countries to Sierra Leone.

The newly accredited diplomats are Her Excellency Ayo Luther Ogbomode, High Commissioner of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to Sierra Leone; His Excellency Lincoln George Downer, High Commissioner of Jamaica to Sierra Leone, resident in Abuja, Nigeria; and His Excellency Dr. Eustáquio Januário Quibato, Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Sierra Leone, resident in Conakry, Guinea.

Following the presentation of their credentials, the three envoys conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from their respective Heads of State and Government while expressing appreciation for the hospitality extended by the Government and people of Sierra Leone. They also reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

Speaking on behalf of Nigeria, High Commissioner Ayo Luther Ogbomode pledged to strengthen the long-standing relationship between Nigeria and Sierra Leone, particularly in regional security, democratic governance, economic cooperation and regional integration. She conveyed the warm greetings of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and expressed her commitment to further deepening bilateral ties during her tenure.

Jamaica’s High Commissioner, Lincoln George Downer, highlighted the deep historical and cultural connections between the two countries, noting that his ancestral roots trace back to Sierra Leone’s Maroon heritage. He described Sierra Leone as his “second home” and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in tourism, culture and investment.

Angola’s Ambassador, Dr. Eustáquio Januário Quibato, identified agriculture, mining and technical cooperation as priority sectors for enhanced collaboration between Angola and Sierra Leone, while thanking President Bio for accepting his credentials.

In his response, President Bio warmly welcomed the three diplomats on behalf of the Government and people of Sierra Leone and assured them of his administration’s full support throughout their diplomatic assignments.

Addressing Nigeria’s High Commissioner, President Bio described Nigeria as one of Sierra Leone’s closest and most dependable partners, paying tribute to the country’s historic contribution to restoring peace during Sierra Leone’s civil war through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG).

He expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s continued support and requested that his warm regards be conveyed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. President Bio also expressed his desire to strengthen cooperation in security, democracy, good governance, regional integration, trade and economic development.

Welcoming Jamaica’s High Commissioner, the President underscored the unique historical and cultural ties shared by both nations and encouraged greater collaboration in people-to-people exchanges, tourism, culture and investment.

While receiving Angola’s Ambassador, President Bio encouraged stronger partnerships in agriculture, mining, skills development and technical cooperation, describing those sectors as central to Sierra Leone’s national development agenda.

President Bio assured all three diplomats of his Government’s unwavering support, encouraging them to feel at home in Sierra Leone and to work closely with his administration in advancing mutually beneficial partnerships.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to strengthening diplomatic relations with Sierra Leone following the presentation of Ayo Luther Ogbomode’s Letters of Credence.

According to a statement issued by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the High Commissioner conveyed the goodwill of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and congratulated President Bio on assuming the Chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The Ministry reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the historic bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two countries, noting their longstanding cooperation in regional peacekeeping, democratic governance, security, trade and economic development.

Nigeria also highlighted its continued support for regional stability and economic diplomacy, reaffirming its commitment to fostering stronger partnerships with African nations through enhanced political engagement, investment and regional cooperation.

The presentation of credentials by the three envoys reflects Sierra Leone’s continued efforts to deepen diplomatic engagement, expand strategic international partnerships and promote peace, economic growth and sustainable development through strengthened bilateral and regional cooperation.

Planning Ministry Deregisters 19 NGOs for Persistent Non-Compliance

July 15, 2026

Woman speaks at a UN event, holding a microphone at a podium with a United Nations banner in the background.

The Ministry of Planning and Economic Development (MoPED) has announced the deregistration and revocation of the registration certificates of 19 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) operating in Sierra Leone over persistent non-compliance with the country’s NGO Policy Framework and other statutory requirements.

According to a Press Release dated 13 July 2026, the Ministry said the decision followed a comprehensive nationwide compliance verification exercise undertaken to assess the operational status of registered NGOs across Sierra Leone.

The Ministry stated that the assessment revealed that several organisations had failed to meet the minimum regulatory and operational standards required to maintain their legal status as registered NGOs.

MoPED explained that the affected organisations were deregistered on several grounds, including failure to maintain identifiable office premises as required under the NGO Policy, failure to report development interventions during the review period and failure to comply with mandatory statutory obligations and other applicable Government laws and regulatory requirements governing NGO operations.

The NGOs whose registration certificates have been revoked with immediate effect are:

523 International Alliance for the Eradication of Malaria
Caravanes Solidaires
Friends International Inc.
Institute Mozdahir International
International Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and Freedom
Ada Living Hope Orphanage
Anti Bullying Initiative Worldwide
Lungi Women and Children Organisation
Needy Child Sierra Leone
New Life Community Baptist Church
Njawie Bengu Foundation
Agency for Integrated Development – Sierra Leone
Global Advocates for Children in Armed Conflicts, Inc. Sierra Leone Chapter
Club of Health Actors – Sierra Leone
Daughters Vocational Centre
Nana Dee Foundation
Public Service Life Foundation
Zion Ministries
Partnership Action for Community Empowerment (PACE)

The Ministry emphasized that the regulatory action is not intended to undermine the significant contributions made by compliant NGOs to Sierra Leone’s socio-economic development. Instead, it said the move is aimed at strengthening accountability, transparency and compliance within the NGO sector while safeguarding public confidence and ensuring that organisations operating in the country adhere to the legal and policy framework established by the Government.

The press release was signed by Usman C. Conteh, Acting Development Secretary, on behalf of the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.

APC Opens Applications for Diaspora Region 6 Constituency and Chapter Elections

July 15, 2026

The All People’s Congress (APC) has officially opened applications for aspiring candidates seeking elective Constituency and Chapter positions in the party’s Diaspora Region 6 ahead of its forthcoming lower-level elections.

In a public notice dated 13 July 2026, the party’s National Secretariat announced that the Diaspora Region 6 Constituency and Chapter Elections will be held on Saturday, 1 August 2026.

According to the Secretariat, the application process is open to eligible party members who intend to contest various elective positions within the region. The party emphasized that the process is being conducted in line with the principles of transparency, inclusiveness and constitutional compliance.

The APC stated that candidates vying for the position of Constituency Chairman/Chapter President are required to pay a non-refundable nomination fee of Le600 (NLe600.00), while aspirants for all other Constituency and Chapter positions will pay Le300 (NLe300.00), in accordance with Article 35(b) of the party’s 2022 Constitution.

The Secretariat further reminded prospective candidates that eligibility is subject to strict compliance with Article 55(f) of the APC Constitution (2022), including the requirement to have fully paid all outstanding membership subscription fees and to satisfy every other constitutional qualification prescribed for candidature.

To facilitate a smooth application process, the party said it will publish a comprehensive tutorial video demonstrating the online application process, payment procedures, settlement of outstanding membership subscriptions where applicable and the successful submission of applications.

The APC urged all intending aspirants to carefully follow the published guidelines before completing and submitting their applications.

The party also announced that Thursday, 23 July 2026, has been set as the deadline for the submission of all candidature applications. It warned that no application, supporting documentation or related complaint submitted after the deadline will be accepted.

Following the close of nominations, the National Secretariat said it will verify all applications and review candidates’ constitutional compliance before submitting the final list of qualified aspirants to the Internal Elections Management Committee (IEMC) by Saturday, 25 July 2026, to facilitate the conduct of the elections.

The APC concluded by encouraging members across Diaspora Region 6 to participate responsibly throughout the process, reaffirming the party’s commitment to strengthening its internal democratic processes through unity, fairness and discipline.

The public notice was signed by the APC National Secretary General, Lansana Dumbuya, Esq.

ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee Opens 39th Session in Freetown Ahead of Mid-Year Summit

July 15, 2026

Group of diverse professionals posing on steps at a formal conference, with a backdrop featuring logos and banners behind them.

The 39th Session of the ECOWAS Administration and Finance Committee (AFC) officially opened on Sunday, 12 July 2026, at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown, marking the commencement of the statutory meetings leading to the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit.

The session brought together delegates from the twelve ECOWAS Member States to deliberate on key administrative, financial and institutional matters that are critical to the effective functioning of the regional bloc and the implementation of its programmes.

Officially declaring the session open, Chairman of the Administration and Finance Committee, Komba Momoh, welcomed delegates to Sierra Leone and expressed gratitude to President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, for his leadership in advancing regional integration and cooperation.

“I warmly welcome you all to Sierra Leone for the 39th Session of the Administration and Finance Committee. I extend my sincere appreciation to His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio for his outstanding leadership as Chairman of ECOWAS. I encourage all delegates to participate actively so that our deliberations will be productive and yield meaningful outcomes for the benefit of our Community,” Komba Momoh stated.

He underscored the pivotal role of the Administration and Finance Committee in promoting sound governance, financial accountability, institutional efficiency and prudent resource management within ECOWAS. He urged participants to address emerging administrative and financial challenges while developing practical recommendations that will strengthen the Community’s capacity to achieve its objectives.

Komba Momoh also commended the Government and people of Sierra Leone for the warm hospitality extended to delegates and expressed optimism that the meeting would generate recommendations to guide the deliberations of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers and the Authority of Heads of State and Government.

Speaking on behalf of the ECOWAS Commission, Vice President H.E. Damtien L. Tchintchibidja reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to deepening regional integration through effective financial management, institutional reforms and strengthened cooperation among Member States.

She called on Member States to intensify collaboration in addressing pressing regional challenges, including peace and security, climate change, youth unemployment and institutional resilience. According to her, stronger partnerships and coordinated action remain essential to achieving the goals outlined in the ECOWAS Vision.

The Administration and Finance Committee meeting is the first in a series of statutory engagements that will culminate in the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit. During the summit, Heads of State and Government are expected to review policy recommendations, consider reports from various organs of the Community and adopt key decisions aimed at promoting regional integration, economic cooperation, peace, security and sustainable development across West Africa.

By hosting this year’s statutory meetings, Sierra Leone continues to strengthen its position as a key player in regional diplomacy under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio. The country is expected to receive hundreds of delegates, ministers, technical experts and development partners participating in the week-long ECOWAS engagements.

WANEP Supports Validation of AU Civil Society Early Warning Framework in Kenya

July 15, 2026

The West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) has participated in a high-level technical workshop aimed at validating the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Early Warning Reporting Guidelines and the Conflict Prevention and Response Mechanism (CPRM) Framework, while also retraining the Economic Community Network (ECONET) and the Southern Africa Partnership for Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention (SAPPC) on Early Warning and Organizational Development Index (ODI) portals.

The workshop was held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 5 to 11 July 2026, bringing together representatives from the African Union Commission (AUC), the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), WANEP, SAPPC, ECONET, technical experts and Amband IT.

The meeting sought to validate the CSO Early Warning Reporting Guidelines and the CPRM Framework, improve interoperability among civil society, regional and continental early warning systems, assess the effectiveness of CSO-led Regional Early Warning Systems (REWS), and strengthen the technical capacity of partner organisations engaged in conflict prevention across Africa.

Participants highlighted the importance of regional civil society early warning systems in complementing, rather than duplicating, the African Union’s Continental Early Warning System (CEWS). They noted that nationally and regionally generated analyses provide valuable context-specific information that enhances continental early warning efforts and supports timely, coordinated responses to emerging conflicts.

During the week-long technical sessions, WANEP led several practical capacity-building activities, including presentations on the WANEP National Early Warning System (NEWS) and the responsibilities of NEWS Managers in conflict monitoring, data collection, analysis, reporting and preventive response. The sessions showcased WANEP’s experience in building effective civil society-led early warning mechanisms and demonstrated the organization’s contribution to regional peace and security initiatives.

WANEP also facilitated practical training on the Organizational Development Index (ODI) portals, enabling participants to effectively manage and utilize the newly developed digital platforms following their transfer to SAPPC and ECONET. The hands-on sessions were designed to enhance institutional efficiency and strengthen the use of technology in conflict prevention and organizational development.

The organization’s participation forms part of its broader engagement under the GIZ-funded Strengthening Multistakeholder Conflict Prevention Architectures in Africa Project, through which WANEP continues to support joint early warning analysis, system development and capacity building across Eastern, Southern and Central Africa.

The workshop concluded with renewed commitments from participating institutions to deepen collaboration, strengthen early warning systems and enhance conflict prevention mechanisms to promote sustainable peace and security across the African continent.

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