Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has called for stronger global and regional action to address political and security challenges in fragile states, focusing on Guinea-Bissau and South Sudan during a high-level G7+ meeting.
Bio made the appeal during a virtual meeting of Eminent Persons of the G7+, convened by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste.
He commended Timor-Leste for hosting the G7+ Secretariat and reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s commitment to promoting peace, resilience and sustainable development among member states.
On Guinea-Bissau, Bio said the country remained in a fragile transitional phase and required sustained international engagement to ensure stability and constitutional order ahead of elections. He noted that the Economic Community of West African States continues to guide efforts under its protocol on democracy and good governance.
Turning to South Sudan, Bio described the country as being at a delicate stage in its peace process, citing ongoing challenges in security sector reform, constitutional development and preparations for credible elections.
He called on G7+ members to intensify peer engagement, promote inclusive political dialogue and support tailored international interventions in fragile contexts. Bio also proposed a high-level meeting to develop a strategic roadmap for engagement.
Highlighting Sierra Leone’s own post-conflict recovery, he stressed the importance of strengthening institutions, accountability and community-based peacebuilding approaches.
The meeting also resulted in an agreement to establish formal diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Timor-Leste, aimed at boosting South-South cooperation in areas such as governance reform, peacebuilding and youth development.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening solidarity and global advocacy to support fragile states in achieving peace, stability and sustainable development.
