A delegation of high standing has accompanied President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone to Abuja, Nigeria, where he is taking part in the Extraordinary Summit of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The summit, which is set to take place at the Presidential Villa in Abuja today, February 24, 2024, will centre on important conversations about the security, political, and peaceful environment in the ECOWAS sub-region.
Prominent individuals including Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Timothy Musa Kabba, and Press Secretary Yusuf Keketoma Sandi Esq. are part of the Sierra Leone delegation, which is headed by President Bio. High Commissioner Rupert Davies, Chief of Chancery Yusuf Benga Samah, and other High Commission diplomats, along with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, extended a hearty welcome to the President and his delegation.
To take part in the 2024 Africa-China Summit, President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio will travel to China after the ECOWAS Summit. Leaders from China and Africa will have a forum to discuss cooperation and development projects between their two regions during this summit.
Sierra Leone’s commitment to regional cooperation and partnership with important stakeholders in Africa and beyond is demonstrated by President Bio’s attendance at both summits. The anticipated outcomes of the ECOWAS and Africa-China summits are to enhance diplomatic relations, promote cooperation, and investigate prospects for reciprocal advancement and progress among China, Sierra Leone, and ECOWAS member nations.
President Bio’s presence illustrates Sierra Leone’s proactive role in advancing strategic partnerships and shaping regional agendas for the collective prosperity of the African continent and beyond, even as he navigates these crucial diplomatic engagements.