Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has engaged the Military President of Burkina Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traore, on talks to promote regional peace and stability.
During the historic diplomatic one-day meeting marked by expectations in Ouagadougou, Bio, who was cordially received as he marked his first visit as a sitting ECOWAS Chair to an Alliance of Sahel States (AES) member-country, made bold statement highlighting a renewed commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and regional solidarity.
During their closed-door talks, both leaders engaged in honest and purposeful discussions on strengthening ties between ECOWAS and AES countries, addressing the region’s escalating security threats, and deepening bilateral cooperation between Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso.
The Sierra Leonean leader stressed need for regional cohesion in the face of growing insecurity in the Sahel, driven by terrorism and violent extremism, even as he urged security cooperation framework between ECOWAS and AES, noting that the challenges facing the region “know no borders” and demand a collective response.
“As someone who has personally transitioned from military leadership to democratic governance, I understand the complexities of political transformation,” President Bio stated. “This visit is not only one of solidarity, but of genuine dialogue—towards building a peaceful, united and stable West Africa.”
Discussions around economic development featured prominently as both countries pledged to boost trade and mutual investments, leveraging their comparative strengths to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development.
“President Traoré’s warm reception and constructive engagement underscored a shared vision of regional integration, despite political differences and evolving governance structures.
“This meeting marks a turning point,” President Bio noted. He added that “It lays a foundation for future collaboration between ECOWAS and AES, reinforcing our shared responsibility to the people of West Africa.”
