Post a comment 
Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh has commended the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio during his tenure as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States Authority of Heads of State and Government, describing it as a period marked by stronger regional cooperation, institutional reforms, and increased economic integration across West Africa.
In a statement titled “The Chief’s Diary: From ECOMOG Soldier to ECOWAS Chairman – How President Bio Is Inspiring ECOWAS,” Sengeh reflected on the state of the regional bloc when President Bio assumed the chairmanship a year ago, noting that ECOWAS was facing significant challenges, including the withdrawal of three member states to form the Alliance of Sahel States and growing insecurity in the Sahel region.
According to the Chief Minister, President Bio adopted a strategy centred on strengthening regional unity, deepening integration and ensuring that ECOWAS remained responsive to emerging political, economic and security realities. He said the President engaged extensively with fellow Heads of State, private sector leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders across the region to promote collective solutions to common challenges.
Sengeh stated that President Bio’s leadership also extended to the global stage, pointing to his role as President of the United Nations Security Council, where he advocated for Africa’s representation in global decision-making. He noted that discussions on reforming the Security Council were advanced during that period, adding that such international engagement complemented efforts to strengthen regional cooperation within ECOWAS.
On regional stability, the Chief Minister said West Africa has made notable progress over the past year despite ongoing security challenges. He cited ECOWAS’ support for the political transition in Guinea-Bissau and described the region as more stable than it was a year earlier, while acknowledging the leadership roles played by countries including Ghana and Senegal in advancing regional collaboration.
He further highlighted improvements in economic integration, referencing initiatives such as the West African Power Pool, which facilitates electricity trade among member states, and the rollout of the West Africa Police Information System to strengthen regional security cooperation. He also noted Sierra Leone’s plans to host a major private sector investment summit later this year as part of broader efforts to attract investment into the region.
Sengeh said President Bio’s tenure has also witnessed institutional developments within ECOWAS, including the commissioning of a new headquarters and preparations for the adoption of the bloc’s proposed Compact of the Future, alongside the establishment of an ECOWAS depot and logistics hub aimed at enhancing the organisation’s operational capacity.
Turning to Sierra Leone, the Chief Minister said the country has benefited from increased private sector investment and infrastructure development during the period. He pointed to the construction of a new international conference centre, expansion of conference facilities at the Bintumani Hotel, and improvements in transportation services as key developments linked to the country’s hosting of regional engagements.
He also said Sierra Leone’s tourism sector has gained momentum, noting that the country has successfully hosted several ECOWAS meetings ahead of the forthcoming summit and is expecting hundreds of delegates. According to Sengeh, these engagements have contributed to increasing Sierra Leone’s profile as an emerging destination for conferences, tourism and investment.
The Chief Minister further stated that growing private sector investment has created employment opportunities, attracted additional foreign direct investment and encouraged improvements in policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at supporting economic growth.
Sengeh concluded by describing President Bio’s leadership as instrumental in strengthening ECOWAS while advancing Sierra Leone’s development agenda. He also noted that President Bio is believed to be the only individual to have served both as an ECOMOG officer during the Liberian conflict and later as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, saying the experience has shaped his approach to regional peace, security and integration.
