President Bio of Sierra Leone Takes Over ECOWAS Leadership
Oru Leonard
The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has a new Chairman of Authority of Heads of State and Government, he is President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, as President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria bows out.
Bio was elected during the sixty seventh ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chair of Heads of state, called for a bold reimagining of the regional bloc’s mission which is placing people, at its centre and not politics.
He acknowledged the various factors mitigating against the growth of the region, ranging from deepening insecurity in the Sahel and coastal states, political instability, and the rise of transnational organised crime, to worsening food insecurity, climate shocks, and youth frustration over lack of opportunity.
He noted that the region’s democratic space is under strain, and the it’s fabric is being tested, as across West Africa, citizens especially youths are not just demanding elections, they are demanding fairness, transparency, and a country that works for them.”
However Bio said that the dedicated youthful population, abundant natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit remain West Africa’s greatest strengths.
President Bio disclosed that his administration would hinge on four key priority areas for ECOWAS to transform into a “proactive, people-centred vehicle for peace, inclusion, and opportunity.
About President Julius Maada Bio
Julius Maada Bio is the current President of Sierra Leone, a position he has held since April 4, 2018. Born on May 12, 1964, in Tihun, Bonthe District, Bio is a retired Brigadier in the Sierra Leone Army and has had a diverse career spanning the military, academia, and politics.
Bio was born into a prominent family, being the 33rd child of Paramount Chief Charlie Wonie Bio II. He attended the Bo Government Secondary School and later graduated from the Military Academy of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces. Bio also holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs from American University in Washington, D.C.
Military and Political Career
Bio’s military career includes serving as the military Head of State of Sierra Leone from January 16, 1996, to March 29, 1996. He later transitioned into politics, joining the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and running for president in 2012 and 2018. Bio won the 2018 presidential election with 51.8% of the votes and was re-elected in 2023 with 56% of the vote.
Presidency and Policies
As president, Bio has implemented several notable policies, including:
– Free Education: Introducing free primary and secondary education in all public schools.
– Economic Reforms: Reviewing and auditing government mining contracts and ministry departments.
– Healthcare: Declaring a state of emergency in response to endemic sexual violence and increasing penalties for rape and other sexual violations.
On June 22, 2025, President Bio was elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeding President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria. This development highlights Bio’s growing influence in regional politics.
President Bio’s leadership has been marked by efforts to promote education, economic development, and human rights in Sierra Leone.
