EU ENVOY MEETS ECOWAS CHAIRMAN JULIUS MAADA BIO TO BOOST SAHEL SECURITY COOPERATION 26-06-25
By Sadiq Aminu The European Union’s Special Representative for the Sahel, Joao Cravinho, has met with the current Chairman of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, to explore deeper cooperation in addressing the region’s growing security and governance challenges.
During a courtesy call in Brussels, Mr. Cravinho congratulated President Bio on his election as ECOWAS Chairman, describing it as a recognition of his leadership credentials in West Africa.
He praised President Bio’s transition from a military background to a democratically elected head of state, noting that his leadership offers hope and inspiration to the Sahel region.
“The European Union looks forward to working closely with you to address the pressing challenges facing the Sahel. Your leadership at this time is crucial,” Mr. Cravinho stated, while providing updates on his ongoing diplomatic and development engagements in the region.
In his remarks, President Bio expressed gratitude for the EU’s consistent support and reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to regional stability.
He highlighted the need for sustained dialogue with Sahelian transitional governments and called for targeted international support to address shared threats such as terrorism, poverty, and weak governance.
“The Sahel states need special attention. As ECOWAS Chairman, I am determined to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with leaders in the region,” President Bio said.
The meeting underscores the European Union’s determination to reinforce its strategic partnership with ECOWAS, as both blocs seek collaborative solutions to the multidimensional crises plaguing the Sahel and West Africa.