Sierra Leone and EU Strengthen Ties on Security and Organized Crime at Annual Political Dialogue

The Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union (EU) have pledged to intensify their collaboration in the fight against transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking following high-level talks held at the State House on Monday.

The agreement was reached during the 2025 Political Partnership Dialogue, chaired by President Julius Maada Bio and Mr. Olof Skoog, the EU’s Deputy Secretary-General for External Action. The annual meeting serves as the primary forum for reviewing the strategic relationship between Freetown and Brussels.

While reaffirming that democracy remains the foundation for peace and development, both delegations placed significant emphasis on emerging security threats. Officials agreed to coordinate actions and share information to dismantle criminal networks that pose risks to public health, governance, and regional stability.

The EU also signaled its continued support for Sierra Leone’s ongoing governance reforms, specifically those designed to strengthen public trust in electoral processes and democratic institutions.

The dialogue highlighted Sierra Leone’s elevated diplomatic profile for the year 2025. The nation is currently serving its second year as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and holds the Chairmanship of the ECOWAS Authority.

EU officials expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone’s leadership in addressing regional crises. Citing the outcomes of the recent African Union–European Union Summit held in Luanda in November, the EU reaffirmed its backing for ECOWAS efforts to maintain constitutional order and democratic governance across West Africa. Maritime security was also identified as a critical priority for regional stability.

On the economic front, discussions centered on Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024–2030) and the government’s “Big Five Game Changers” initiative.

Both parties stressed that fiscal discipline and strong public financial management are essential for economic resilience. The delegations agreed that adherence to the rule of law and the suppression of organized crime are prerequisites for attracting responsible private sector investment and ensuring long-term growth.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain regular high-level consultations to complement ongoing development coordination.

The EU delegation included six Ambassadors accredited to Sierra Leone, alongside senior diplomats, while the Sierra Leonean side was represented by Ministers and senior government officials.