By Amin Kef (Ranger)
Sierra Leone’s President and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has called for a renewed, more balanced partnership between Africa and Europe; one founded on mutual respect, shared responsibility and genuine equality. He delivered the message while addressing the 7th African Union–European Union Summit held on 23 November 2025 in Luanda, Angola.
President Bio opened by expressing deep appreciation to the Government and people of Angola for their warm hospitality. He commended both the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU) for convening the Summit at what he described as a crucial moment for global peace, development and cooperation. Despite increasing interconnectedness, he warned, the world remains fragile and requires stronger collaboration across continents.
Addressing Africa’s political landscape, President Bio noted the continent’s steady gains in democratic governance but emphasized that challenges persist. These include institutional fragility and the threat of unconstitutional changes of Government. Reaffirming ECOWAS’ zero tolerance for coups, he stressed that restoring stability requires more than public declarations.
“Sustainable stability demands credible, nationally owned transitions, resilient institutions and renewed trust between citizens and the state,” he stated, adding that West Africa remains committed to shaping its destiny with determination rather than crisis.
Drawing attention to the rise in terrorism and violent extremism across Africa, President Bio highlighted that the continent recorded the world’s highest number of terrorism-related fatalities in the past year. He pointed to Sierra Leone’s leadership role at the United Nations Security Council, where the country has helped spotlight issues such as small arms proliferation, conflict-driven hunger and peacebuilding in West Africa.
“But one truth remains constant: peace cannot be enforced by bullets alone. It must be nourished by inclusion, opportunity, justice and a state that people trust,” he declared.
As the Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten (C-10) on UN Security Council Reform, President Bio underscored that global governance reform is essential for fairness and legitimacy. He stressed that restructuring the Security Council is not a privilege to Africa, but “a long-overdue correction to history.”
He asserted that Africa’s sovereignty is non-negotiable, firmly rejecting any form of partnership that maintains outdated hierarchies or reflects remnants of colonial influence.
While acknowledging the longstanding collaboration between Africa and Europe, President Bio insisted that the relationship must now shift from promises to measurable, transformative results. He outlined Africa’s shared priorities, including climate resilience, digital innovation, industrialization, youth empowerment, value addition and clean energy transition.
President Bio reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s strong support for UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which guarantees predictable financing for African Union-led peace operations. However, he cautioned that funding alone will not yield long-term peace unless it is complemented by deep structural investments in Africa’s economic engines and human capital.
Closing his address, President Bio reminded world leaders that Africa is not seeking sympathy but partnership; one rooted in dignity, sovereignty, fairness and shared prosperity.
“Our people deserve a world where dignity is non-negotiable, opportunity is accessible and hope is a right,” he said. “Let us choose cooperation over competition, law over force and hope over fear and let us choose each other as equal partners in shaping a safer and more prosperous world.”
