AYV News, July 14, 2026
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, has said that the successful hosting of the ongoing ECOWAS Summit will demonstrate Sierra Leone’s ability to organise and host major international events in a peaceful and professional manner.
Speaking in an interview with AYV, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Sierra Leone owes a debt of gratitude to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for its pivotal role in restoring peace during the country’s civil war.
“ECOWAS has been a great help to Sierra Leone, and we as a country owe the organisation for its immense contribution in bringing peace to our nation during the war,” he said.
Addressing concerns over the cost of hosting the regional summit, Minister Kabba acknowledged that while ECOWAS had provided financial support, Sierra Leone, as the host nation, also had a responsibility to contribute towards ensuring the successful staging of the event.
“Hosting the summit has integrated funds, but as the host country we also had to contribute to make sure we have a successful international summit,” he stated.
He noted that Sierra Leone’s position as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government provides the country with a unique opportunity to highlight national priorities and engage regional leaders on issues affecting Sierra Leone and the sub-region.
“Being the host chair of the summit gives us the leverage to put forth our country’s challenges and discuss pressing issues,” he added.
The Minister further disclosed that the summit recorded an attendance rate of about 110 percent, with more than eight Heads of State participating, describing it as one of the highest levels of participation witnessed at an ECOWAS Summit in recent years.
“This summit is a mark in history because ECOWAS has not had such an attendance rate of Heads of State in years. President Julius Maada Bio is indeed making a progressive impact as ECOWAS Chair,” Minister Kabba said.
The ongoing ECOWAS Summit has brought together Heads of State, senior government officials and regional stakeholders to deliberate on key issues, including regional peace and security, economic integration and democratic governance across West Africa.
