By: Juliana Vandy,
Strategic Communications Unit – MoICE
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has returned to Sierra Leone following his historic assumption of the Chairmanship of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government at the 65th Ordinary Summit in Abuja, Nigeria.
This is a landmark achievement, signalling both regional recognition of his leadership and Sierra Leone’s growing influence in West African affairs.
As he begins his mandate, all eyes are on Sierra Leone’s leader to steer ECOWAS toward greater unity and shared prosperity.
Speaking from the Presidential Lounge at the Freetown International Airport on the 26th of June 2025, President Julius Maada Bio expressed gratitude to citizens for their ongoing support, while also addressing sceptics who question the progress of his administration and international travels, claims he firmly dismissed: “Some say I wasn’t allowed to travel, but here I am, representing Sierra Leone on the global stage”.
He thanked Sierra Leoneans for their trust and emphasized the commitments he made to the nation.
President Bio underlined the dramatic shift in how Sierra Leone is now being perceived worldwide. “Our nation is now respected around the world,” he underscored, highlighting the transition from a reputation marked by civil war, Ebola outbreaks, and corruption to one defined by emerging leadership roles in both regional and international institutions. “International bodies and foreign governments now entrust us with leadership positions, a testament to the progress we have accomplished together,” he noted, citing the recognition from the United Nations Security Council and now ECOWAS, which has entrusted Sierra Leone with leadership as Chair of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State.
President Bio credited the successes achieved to the collaborative efforts of both the government and the citizens. He urged everyone to take responsibility for enhancing the image of their communities and the country as a whole, emphasizing that leadership, even in local communities, is earned through respect, not wealth.
The President called on all Sierra Leoneans to make additional efforts in rebranding the nation’s image internationally, and to also aim to restore Sierra Leone to its former glory.
He reiterated the importance of his role as President, acting as the chief diplomat and emphasising that one of his primary responsibilities is to promote a positive image of Sierra Leone to the world. He called for ongoing collaborative efforts, not only from the government but also from the citizens, urging all Sierra Leoneans to continue working diligently on the country’s rebranding efforts.
While celebrating these advances, the President acknowledged the huge work that remains and called for continued unity and hard work, stressing that the progress made belongs to all Sierra Leoneans. “The achievements we celebrate today are not mine alone; they belong to every Sierra Leonean,” the President said. President Bio’s message was clear that Sierra Leone’s transformation is an ongoing journey, and its rising global status reflects a collective victory worth nurturing.
