In a significant boost to its standing in continental diplomacy, Sierra Leone has been unanimously endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for a second consecutive two-year term on the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for the period 2026–2027.
The endorsement was secured during an extraordinary session of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council at ministerial level, presided over by Sierra Leone’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba. The meeting focused on the election of member states to the AU’s premier organ responsible for promoting peace, security, and stability across the continent.
The decision reflects broad confidence in Sierra Leone’s demonstrated leadership on peace and security issues, both regionally and globally. It builds on the country’s current term on the AUPSC (2024–2026) and its ongoing non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council (2024–2025), where it has actively advocated for African-led solutions to conflicts and crises.
President Julius Maada Bio, who also serves as Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, was credited as the driving force behind this achievement. His strategic vision and guidance have positioned Sierra Leone as a reliable partner in multilateral forums, emphasizing conflict prevention, regional stability, and the principle of “African solutions to African problems.” Under President Bio’s leadership, the country has strengthened its diplomatic engagements, contributing to mediation efforts in West Africa and advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 priorities for a peaceful and integrated continent.
Minister Kabba, in presiding over the session, played a crucial role in rallying ECOWAS member states to support Sierra Leone’s bid. The unanimous backing underscores the effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s diplomatic outreach, supported by its missions in key hubs such as Abuja and Addis Ababa.
This re-endorsement comes at a time when West Africa continues to grapple with security challenges, including terrorism in the Sahel and political transitions in the region. Sierra Leone’s renewed presence on the AUPSC will enable it to further champion proactive measures for conflict resolution, peacekeeping, and post-conflict reconstruction.
The formal election to the AUPSC will proceed through established African Union processes in the lead-up to the 2026 term. With strong regional consensus from ECOWAS, Sierra Leone is well placed to continue its contributions to continental peace and security architecture.
Government sources described the endorsement as a testament to President Bio’s impactful foreign policy, which has elevated Sierra Leone’s international profile and reinforced its commitment to collective security across Africa.