President Bio Pledges Strong Collaboration To Tackle Challenges In ECOWAS Region.
By Ferdinand Olise
The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, Authority of Heads of State and Government, Julius Maada Bio, has successfully concluded high-level visits to Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Cape Verde and Senegal.
These visits aimed at consolidating support from fellow Heads of State and Government to strengthen regional collaboration in tackling key challenges.
According to a statement by the ECOWAS Commission Abuja on Saturday, President Bio stressed the importance of collective action to overcome challenges that impede economic integration and undermine peace and security in the subregion.
President Bio also pledged to collaborate closely with fellow leaders to combat terrorism, enhance democratic governance, and invigorate intra-regional integration. He highlighted the urgency of bolstering cooperation with all ECOWAS members States, including those in political transition.
He emphasized the need to forge stronger partnership between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, (AES).
According to the statement, these high-level engagements demonstrate the significance of cohesive leadership in overcoming the challenges facing the ECOWAS Community, noting that, President Bio is poised to leverage on the experience and insights of previous Chairpersons of the ECOWAS Authority to drive meaningful progress.
While on the visit, President Bio received warm and fraternal welcome from his counterparts His Excellency Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau, His Excellency Adama Barrow of The Gambia, His Excellency José Maria Neves of Cape Verde, and His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal.
The leaders reflected on their robust bilateral ties existing with Sierra Leone, extending heartfelt congratulations to President Bio on his election as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority.
They also reaffirmed their commitment to working with President Bio for the successful accomplishment of his mandate.
President Bio therefore expressed his gratitude for the honour to serve as Chairman during this critical period for West Africa.
Also, President Bio had in the last week paid high-level visits to Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire.
