By Saidu Jalloh, Daily Scope Reporter
Foreign Affairs Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba has said Sierra Leone’s hosting of the ECOWAS Mid-Year Summit this month demonstrates the country’s return to a central role in West African affairs.
Addressing the Government Weekly Press Briefing on Monday at the Miatta Conference Centre, Minister Kabba described the July 19 summit as a clear sign of confidence by regional partners in Sierra Leone’s capacity to lead and host major diplomatic events.
“The decision to bring this important summit to Freetown demonstrates the confidence our regional partners have in Sierra Leone and in our ability to successfully host an event of this magnitude,” he told journalists.
The Minister recalled ECOWAS’ formation on May 28, 1975, noting its mandate to promote trade, investment, and regional integration beyond colonial borders. He said peace and security became a priority in the 1990s during civil conflicts in the region, with ECOWAS interventions in Liberia and contributions from Sierra Leonean peacekeepers.
He praised President Julius Maada Bio for strengthening the country’s international image through good governance and diplomacy.
“Sierra Leone has risen from the devastation of civil conflict like a phoenix from the ashes. We are now more stable and increasingly influential,” Kabba stated.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bio will preside over the 69th Ordinary Session of Heads of State. Discussions will focus on peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, infrastructure, trade, and climate resilience.
Ahead of the summit, the Administration and Finance Committee, the Mediation and Security Council, and the ECOWAS Council of Ministers will hold preparatory meetings at the Bintumani International Conference Centre.
Minister Kabba said the presence of multiple Heads of State in Freetown reflects one of Sierra Leone’s proudest moments in recent years and highlights the nation’s readiness to host international gatherings. China has donated 15 presidential vehicles to support logistics, and President Bio is scheduled to commission the new Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi on July 18.
Marking 50 years of ECOWAS, the Minister noted achievements including a free trade area, freedom of movement with ECOWAS travel documents, and peacekeeping missions. He however cited challenges such as low intra-regional trade of about 12% and energy consumption averaging 150 kWh per capita.
He expressed appreciation to President Bio, government institutions, development partners, and security agencies for their contributions to the summit’s preparations.
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