The European Union’s Special Representative for the Sahel, Joao Cravinho, on Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The meeting, held in Brussels, marked a reaffirmation of the European Union’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with West Africa, particularly in addressing the growing security and governance challenges in the Sahel region.
During the meeting, Mr. Cravinho congratulated President Bio on his recent appointment as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, describing it as a reflection of his exemplary leadership in West Africa.
“We commend you for taking on this great responsibility,” Cravinho said. “The European Union looks forward to working closely with you to address the pressing issues affecting the Sahel.”
The EU envoy also updated President Bio on his ongoing work in the Sahel and expressed his desire to deepen EU engagement and partnership with the region. Reflecting on President Bio’s political journey—from a former military leader to a two-term democratically elected head of state and now ECOWAS Chairman—Mr. Cravinho described him as a source of inspiration for many across the region.
In his response, President Bio expressed appreciation for the EU’s support and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening ECOWAS’s engagement with the Sahel.
“The Sahel States need special attention,” President Bio said. “As Chairman of the Authority, I am determined to strengthen our dialogue and cooperation with the region’s leaders, particularly transitional governments, to ensure peace and stability.”
He highlighted the urgency of addressing the deteriorating security conditions in both the Sahel and its coastal neighbors and emphasized the need for coordinated international support.
The visit comes at a critical time for the Sahel, where political instability, terrorism, and humanitarian crises continue to threaten regional peace. It also underscores the European Union’s intention to reinforce its collaboration with ECOWAS in pursuit of sustainable solutions to the region’s complex challenges.
Both parties agreed on the importance of continued dialogue and partnership in building resilience and promoting democratic governance across West Africa.
By Elizabeth Kamara
