AYV News, December 18, 2025
The Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union have reaffirmed their longstanding and mutually beneficial partnership during the 2025 EU–Sierra Leone Political Partnership Dialogue held at State House in Freetown.
Chaired by President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, the dialogue underscored shared commitments to democracy, the rule of law, regional peace and security, and inclusive socio-economic development, while reinforcing cooperation within a rules-based international order.
The annual Political Partnership Dialogue between the Government of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the European Union (EU) was held today at State House in Freetown. The dialogue was chaired by H.E. Dr. Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, and brought together Ministers and senior Government officials.
The European Union delegation was led by Mr. Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for External Action, and included six EU Ambassadors accredited to Sierra Leone, alongside senior officials and diplomats.
Both parties welcomed the continued convening of the Political Partnership Dialogue, underscoring its value as acornerstone of the longstanding and mutually beneficialpartnership between Sierra Leone and the European Union.
Key Areas of Engagement:
Discussions were constructive and forward-looking, structured around three interrelated priority areas:
1. Democracy and the Rule of Law
2. Regional and Multilateral Affairs
3. Socio-Economic Partnership
Democracy, Governance, and the Rule of Law:
Both parties reaffirmed their shared conviction that democracy remains the most sustainable foundation for peace, stability, and inclusive development—in Sierra Leone, Europe, and beyond. This commitment continues to guide ongoing political and governance reforms in Sierra Leone, particularly those aimed at strengthening public confidence in democratic institutions and electoral processes. In thiscontext, the Government of Sierra Leone welcomed continued EU support, including through EU Electoral Observation Missions.
Building on this shared commitment to the rule of law, both parties agreed to intensify collaboration in a reinvigorated fight against organised crime, illicit drug trafficking, and transnational criminal networks. They underscored the importance of coordinated action, institutional strengthening,and information-sharing to address the growing threats thesecrimes pose to security, public health, governance, and regional stability.
Sierra Leone’s Global and Multilateral Engagement:
The dialogue acknowledged Sierra Leone’s strengthenedinternational profile in 2025, marked by its second year as anon-permanent member of the United Nations SecurityCouncil and its Presidency of the Council in November. TheEuropean Union expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone.
