By Mariama Benovia Davies
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone
7 July 2026: Sierra Leone is preparing to make history as it hosts the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit, a milestone that reflects the country’s growing influence in regional affairs and its renewed commitment to peace, security, and economic integration, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba.
The Minister made these remarks during the Government’s Weekly Press Conference, held at the Miatta civic Center Centre in Freetown. The briefing was hosted by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, and focused on Sierra Leone’s readiness to welcome leaders from across West Africa for the high profile regional gathering.
Addressing journalists and members of the public, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba emphasized that hosting the ECOWAS Mid Year Summit goes far beyond organising an international conference. He described it as a demonstration of Sierra Leone’s responsibility as an active and committed member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Minister noted that Sierra Leone has remained a member of ECOWAS since the regional bloc was established on 28 May 1975, adding that for more than five decades the organisation has served as a pillar of political cooperation, economic integration, regional solidarity, and the free movement of people within West Africa.
He explained that the vision of ECOWAS’s founding fathers was to ensure that colonial borders inherited after independence would no longer divide African peoples but instead become less significant, enabling citizens of member states who share common histories, cultures, traditions, and values to strengthen cooperation and regional unity.
According to the Minister, ECOWAS was created not only to foster closer relationships among West African nations but also to promote trade, investment, sustainable economic development, and collective prosperity throughout the sub-region.
Reflecting on the organisation’s evolution, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba highlighted that peace and security became central priorities during the 1990s when West Africa faced devastating civil conflicts. He recalled ECOWAS’s decisive interventions in Liberia and acknowledged the sacrifices made by peacekeepers from member states, including Sierra Leone, in restoring peace and stability.
He said the organisation has continued to play a crucial role in safeguarding democracy, preserving constitutional order, and promoting regional stability, making ECOWAS one of Africa’s most respected regional institutions for conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
Speaking on Sierra Leone’s role as host, the Minister described the upcoming summit as a defining moment in the country’s history. Hosting the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit for the first time, he said, is a clear indication of Sierra Leone’s re-emergence as a respected regional actor capable of providing leadership on issues of peace, security, governance, economic cooperation, and regional integration.
“The decision to bring this important summit to Freetown demonstrates the confidence that our regional partners have in Sierra Leone and in our ability to successfully host an event of this magnitude,” he said.
Kabba also commended the leadership of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, stating that the President’s commitment to good governance, diplomacy, and regional cooperation has significantly enhanced Sierra Leone’s international standing.
He remarked that Sierra Leone has risen from the devastation of civil conflict “like a phoenix from the ashes” and has emerged stronger, more stable, and increasingly influential within Africa and the wider international community.
Describing the summit as one of the proudest moments in the country’s recent history, the Minister said the presence of numerous Heads of State and Government in Freetown would not only strengthen regional cooperation but also showcase Sierra Leone’s capacity to host major international events.
He concluded by expressing appreciation to President Bio, government institutions, development partners, security agencies, and all stakeholders whose collective efforts have contributed to the successful preparation for the summit.
The ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit is expected to bring together leaders from across West Africa to deliberate on key regional issues, including peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, infrastructure development, trade, and the implementation of policies aimed at improving the lives of citizens throughout the sub-region.
As Sierra Leone prepares to welcome the region’s leaders, the summit represents not only a diplomatic achievement but also a powerful affirmation of the country’s continued progress, resilience, and commitment to regional cooperation and African unity.
