By Augustine Bamie Anthony, MOICE
Sierra Leone has successfully concluded the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Lungi alongside the Summit on the Future of Regional Integration. The Session brought together eleven Heads of State and Government, senior ministers, diplomats, development partners, private-sector leaders and hundreds of delegates to mark a milestone in West African cooperation.
President Julius Maada Bio, serving as Chair of ECOWAS during the Session, led deliberations focused on strengthening regional unity, peace, security and economic integration. The Authority adopted the Declaration of Commitment on the Future of Regional Integration, reaffirming a collective vision for a peaceful, united and prosperous West Africa and setting a forward-looking agenda for deeper cooperation.
Sierra Leone’s successful hosting showcased political stability, robust institutions and world-class capacity to convene major international forums. The event also left a tangible legacy in infrastructure and partnerships. Delegates attended sessions at the newly commissioned Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and stayed in modern presidential villas; China donated fifteen presidential vehicles in a gesture that accompanied the inaugurations. In a separate but complementary development, the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi was officially commissioned to enhance the rapid deployment and operational readiness of the ECOWAS Standby Force.
Concrete outcomes from the Summit strengthened regional integration and resilience. Leaders endorsed strategic partnerships — notably expanded cooperation with the Mano River Union on cross-border peacebuilding and an ECOWAS–IFDC agreement to boost agricultural productivity and food security. The Assembly also welcomed the election of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal as ECOWAS Chairman, a peaceful leadership transition that reaffirms the region’s democratic values.
The Authority took decisions with lasting regional impact: reaffirming commitment to launching the ECO single currency in 2027 for states meeting convergence criteria; urging Member States to clear outstanding Community Levy contributions to secure ECOWAS financing; accelerating the ECOWAS Rice Agenda to strengthen food sovereignty; and directing the Commission to prepare investment-ready regional infrastructure projects in transport, energy, digital connectivity and water. Leaders also adopted regional digital governance and cybersecurity frameworks, including a Regional Cybersecurity Coordination Mechanism, and a Presidential Declaration on Advancing Gender Parity in Political Representation.
The Summit recognized positive macroeconomic trends for 2026 — resilient growth, declining inflation and improved indicators — and welcomed progress on regional energy initiatives such as the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline. It also reaffirmed commitment to operationalising the ECOWAS Counterterrorism Force by 2027 and extended the mandate of Sierra Leone’s Ambassador Baba Kamara as Special Envoy on Counterterrorism for three years.
Sierra Leone’s role as host produced immediate economic benefits for local businesses and promises long-term gains through increased investment, tourism potential and enhanced diplomatic standing. The Government received commendation for progress in national unity, including improved relations with opposition groups and the decision to discontinue charges against former President Ernest Bai Koroma – gestures described by leaders as fostering reconciliation. ECOWAS welcomed Sierra Leone’s candidacy for a Judge of the International Court of Justice (2027–2036) and celebrated the appointments of Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali as ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and Mr Mohamed Kenewui Konneh as Permanent Representative of ECOWAS to Liberia. The Leaders also appointed General Birame Diop of Senegal as President of the ECOWAS Commission (2026–2030).
The Authority expressed deep concern over humanitarian needs in the region and called for increased support to conflict-affected populations, while strongly condemning terrorism, banditry and kidnapping. Member States were urged to continue implementing democratic reforms and inclusive measures ahead of upcoming elections.
The 69th Ordinary Session concluded with unanimous appreciation for President Julius Maada Bio, the Government and people of Sierra Leone for their exceptional hospitality and the high standard of organisation. The commissioning of the Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre and the ECOWAS Logistics Depot in Lungi were singled out as twin pillars of diplomacy and security that position Sierra Leone as a regional hub for dialogue, investment and rapid response.
With its successful hosting, Sierra Leone reaffirmed its commitment to regional cooperation and left a legacy of infrastructure, partnerships and strengthened readiness that will serve West Africa in the years ahead.
