MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Chairman of ECOWAS Authority Heads of State and Governments, Julius Maada Bio, and the President of Cote d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, have recommitted to strengthening ECOWAS and reviving the Mano River Union.

The pledge was made during Sierra Leonean President Maada Bio’s one-day working visit to Cote d’Ivoire, as part of his ongoing regional tour of ECOWAS Member States in his capacity as Chairman.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door meeting, President Ouattara said, “President Bio is a close friend and my country fully supports him for a successful tenure under his leadership of ECOWAS”.

He acknowledged significant challenges facing the region, but conveyed strong confidence in President Bio’s ability to address these issues effectively.

President Ouattara also voiced his backing for President Bio’s initiative to deepen cooperation between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

Responding, President Maada Bio emphasized that the regional tour is central to his broader goal of unifying and strengthening ECOWAS.

President Bio highlighted the numerous challenges he inherited upon assuming leadership, including security concerns and the departure of the AES Member countries.

He emphasized that the regional bloc, ECOWAS, must strive to maintain close ties with AES nations and foster collaboration.

President Bio said,” My discussions with President Ouattara focused on the urgent need to enhance integration within ECOWAS and implement institutional reforms to overcome current obstacles”.

President Julius Maada Bio commended the people of Cote d’Ivoire for their steadfast support of Sierra Leone throughout its peace process.