The African Bar Association (AfBA) has publicly praised Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio for his leadership as chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during a difficult regional period, and has pledged its support for efforts to strengthen engagement with the Alliance of Sahel States. In a formal letter to President Bio signed by AfBA President High Chief Ibrahim Eddie Mark, the association acknowledged the complexities of the challenges confronting ECOWAS as Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso—all currently under military rule—move forward with plans to exit the West African bloc and deepen cooperation within the AES.
The AfBA praised President Bio’s emphasis on dialogue and reconciliation, calling his leadership timely and necessary as the region navigates a potentially destabilising realignment. The association warned that if the three Sahel countries’ departures are mishandled, decades of progress in regional unity, economic integration, and collective security could be reversed. “The withdrawal of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from ECOWAS, if not properly handled, will jeopardise decades of hard-earned progress in regional unity, economic cooperation, and security,” the letter said, urging the ECOWAS chair to prioritise negotiation and resist steps that could further isolate the Sahel nations.
While reaffirming its principled opposition to unconstitutional changes in government, the AfBA urged a balanced response that prioritises the well-being of ordinary citizens. The association warned against broad punitive measures, claiming that they frequently punish civilians, deepen grievances, and exacerbate insecurity. “We cannot condone military takeovers; however, punishing the people of these countries with blanket sanctions only deepens the divide and worsens insecurity,” according to the letter.
AfBA urged President Bio to continue advocating for inclusive, constructive dialogue and statesmanship rather than punitive isolation. The group emphasised that the Sahel crisis necessitates pragmatic engagement aimed at reducing tensions while maintaining opportunities for cooperation and stability.
To that end, the African Bar Association has pledged to support ECOWAS under Bio’s leadership. It provided legal and advisory support for mediation and reconciliation initiatives, signalling a willingness to help strengthen the rule of law, good governance, and institutional reforms throughout the region. By praising President Bio’s approach and positioning itself as a mediator, AfBA emphasised the growing consensus that dialogue, rather than exclusion, will be critical to bridging divides and protecting the well-being of West African and Sahel populations.
