Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq. has announced that Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio will host the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown on July 19, 2026.
Describing the upcoming event as a major milestone, Sandi emphasized that hosting the high-level summit reflects Sierra Leone’s growing international stature, technical expertise, and institutional readiness to successfully manage prestigious international engagements.
In the days leading up to the main summit, Freetown will serve as the hub for a series of critical preparatory meetings. These include scheduled sessions of the Administration and Finance Committee, the Mediation and Security Council, and the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, all of which are set to take place at the Bintumani International Conference Centre in Freetown. Additionally, on July 18, a day before the heads of state gather, President Bio is scheduled to officially commission the new Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi, alongside the ECOWAS Logistics Depot.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba framed the mid-year summit as a defining moment in the country’s diplomatic history and a clear testament to its expanding influence within the sub-region. Kabba recalled that Sierra Leone has remained a deeply committed member of ECOWAS since the bloc’s establishment in 1975, consistently contributing to regional peace, democratic governance, and economic integration. He noted that the collective decision by member states to bring the summit to Freetown reflects widespread regional confidence in Sierra Leone’s current stability, leadership, and operational capacity.
Commending President Bio’s strategic direction, the Foreign Minister pointed out that Sierra Leone has successfully transitioned from its era of post-war recovery to become a highly respected voice on regional affairs and an increasingly trusted partner across the African continent. Minister Kabba concluded that the historic gathering will not only significantly strengthen cooperation among ECOWAS member states, but will also serve as a prime opportunity to showcase Sierra Leone’s internal progress, societal resilience, and unwavering commitment to advancing peace, security, and economic prosperity throughout West Africa.
ABJ/APA