Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, has urged African and European leaders to adopt a renewed partnership built on mutual respect, shared responsibility and genuine equality.
He made the call on 23rd November 2025 while addressing the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking at the Summit, President Bio, who also chairs the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, thanked the Government and people of Angola for their hospitality and praised both the African Union and the European Union for convening the meeting at what he described as a critical moment in global affairs.
He also noted that despite increased global interconnectedness, the world remains fragile and requires deeper international cooperation.
President Bio highlighted Africa’s progress in democratic governance but cautioned that the continent continues to face major challenges, including institutional weaknesses and unconstitutional changes of government.
He restated ECOWAS’ zero tolerance for coups and stressed that maintaining peace demands more than public condemnations. “Sustainable stability demands credible nationally owned transitions, resilient institutions, and renewed trust between citizens and the state,” he said, adding that West Africa is committed to shaping a future driven by determination rather than crisis.
Addressing security issues, President Bio drew attention to the rise in terrorism and violent extremism across Africa, noting that the continent recorded the highest number of terrorism-related deaths globally last year.
He affirmed Sierra Leone’s continued leadership at the United Nations Security Council in bringing attention to issues such as small arms proliferation, conflict-induced hunger and peace in West Africa. “But one truth remains constant: peace cannot be enforced by bullets alone. It must be nourished by inclusion, opportunity, justice, and a state that people trust,” he stated.
In his role as Coordinator of the African Union Committee of Ten on United Nations Security Council Reform, President Bio stressed the need for restructuring global governance systems to reflect fairness and legitimacy.
He said the reform of the Security Council “is not a favour to Africa; it is a long-overdue correction to history,” and emphasised that Africa’s sovereignty is non-negotiable. He rejected any form of partnership that sustains outdated hierarchies or remnants of colonial influence.
President Bio noted the longstanding cooperation between Africa and Europe but said the partnership must now move from promises to measurable impact. He outlined Africa’s key priorities, including climate resilience, digital innovation, industrialisation, youth empowerment, and increased investment in value addition and energy transition.
He reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s support for UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which ensures predictable financing for African Union-led peace operations, but emphasised that funding alone is insufficient without broader structural investment in Africa’s development.
Concluding his address, President Bio said Africa seeks partnership, not pity, and called for cooperation anchored in dignity, sovereignty and shared prosperity.
“Our people deserve a world where dignity is non-negotiable, opportunity is accessible, and hope is a right,” he said. “Let us choose cooperation over competition, law over force, and hope over fear, and let us choose each other as equal partners in shaping a safer and more prosperous world.”
For More News And Analysis About Sierra-Leone Follow Africa-Press
