AYV News, June 17, 2026
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government and President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, has held high-level bilateral talks with President Mohamed OuldCheikh El Ghazouani of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania on regional peace, security, cooperation, and development.
The meeting took place at the Presidential Palace in Nouakchott, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration between West African nations in addressing emerging regional challenges.
During the discussions, President Bio conveyed greetings from the Government and people of Sierra Leone and commended President Ghazouani for Mauritania’s contribution to peace, stability, and security within the region.
The two leaders exchanged views on the evolving security situation in the Sahel and West Africa, including the threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, climate-related pressures, food insecurity, and population displacement.
President Bio emphasised that these interconnected challenges require coordinated regional responses, sustained dialogue, and stronger partnerships to safeguard peace, constitutional order, and social cohesion across the region.
As Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional solidarity and advancing practical solutions aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.
He described Mauritania as a strategic bridge between the Maghreb, the Sahel, and West Africa, noting that the country’s experience in combating terrorism and enhancing border security makes it a key partner in regional peace and security efforts.
The Sierra Leonean leader also stressed the importance of deepening cooperation between Mauritania and ECOWAS, noting that stronger institutional engagement would contribute to addressing shared challenges, promoting trade and investment, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and advancing regional integration.
Beyond security matters, the two leaders discussed opportunities for enhanced bilateral cooperation in fisheries, maritime security, agriculture, trade, mining, renewable energy, education, and capacity building.
President Bio highlighted the need for stronger collaboration to protect maritime resources, combat illegal fishing, and promote the blue economy while leveraging opportunities created under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He further commended Mauritania’s constructive role within the African Union and called for greater African unity in addressing critical issues including climate resilience, food security, youth empowerment, sustainable development, and global governance reform.
In his response, President Ghazouani thanked President Bio for honouring his invitation and praised his leadership as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority.
The Mauritanian leader reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Sierra Leone and expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel.
He also pledged continued cooperation with ECOWAS and proposed the convening of a special regional summit to address emerging security threats facing West Africa and the Sahel.
The meeting concluded with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation between Mauritania and ECOWAS, deepening bilateral relations, and working together to advance peace, security, stability, regional integration, and sustainable development throughout West Africa and the Sahel.
