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Foreign Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba has declared that Sierra Leone’s historic hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit this month signals the country’s re-emergence as a respected regional leader capable of driving the bloc’s peace, security, and economic integration agenda.
Addressing the Government’s Weekly Press Conference at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown, Minister Kabba described the July 19 summit as far more than an organisational exercise, framing it as a demonstration of Sierra Leone’s responsibility as an active and committed member of the Economic Community of West African States since the bloc’s establishment on May 28, 1975.
“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,” Minister Kabba told journalists.
The Minister traced ECOWAS’s evolution from its founding vision of transcending colonial borders to foster closer relationships, trade, investment, and collective prosperity across West Africa. He noted that peace and security became central priorities during the 1990s when the bloc faced devastating civil conflicts, recalling ECOWAS’s decisive interventions in Liberia and the sacrifices made by peacekeepers from member states, including Sierra Leone.
Minister Kabba commended President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership, 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 emerged stronger, more stable, and increasingly influential.
President Bio, who currently serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, will host regional leaders to deliberate on critical issues including peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, infrastructure development, trade, and climate resilience. The 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority will be preceded by preparatory meetings of the Administration and Finance Committee, the Mediation and Security Council, and the ECOWAS Council of Ministers at the Bintumani International Conference Centre.
The summit represents one of the proudest moments in Sierra Leone’s recent history, according to the Minister, with the presence of numerous Heads of State in Freetown set to strengthen regional cooperation while showcasing the country’s capacity to host major international events. China has donated 15 presidential vehicles to support logistical arrangements, and President Bio is scheduled to commission the new Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi on July 18.
As the bloc marks its 50th anniversary this year, ECOWAS has achieved significant milestones including a free trade area, the right of citizens to travel using passports or national identity cards, and successful peacekeeping interventions. However, challenges remain, including low intra-regional trade of approximately 12 per cent and energy deficits with consumption at just 150 kWh per capita.
Minister Kabba 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.
