Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who assumed the rotating presidency of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in June 2025, has reiterated his call for the Alliance of Sahel States—comprising Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—to rejoin the regional bloc.
During his ongoing West Africa tour, President Bio emphasized the importance of regional unity in addressing the pressing challenges facing the region, including terrorism, climate change, and political instability.
The Sahel states formally withdrew from ECOWAS in January 2025, citing dissatisfaction with the bloc’s handling of the 2023 military coup in Niger and the subsequent sanctions imposed by ECOWAS.
In response, the three countries established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), aiming to strengthen regional cooperation and assert their sovereignty.
President Bio has expressed hope that his strong diplomatic relations with the leaders of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will facilitate dialogue and pave the way for reintegration into ECOWAS.
He has pledged to prioritize democracy, security cooperation, economic integration, and the institutional credibility of the bloc during his tenure.
The situation remains fluid, and the coming months will be crucial in determining the future of ECOWAS and its relationship with the Sahel states.