By Emma Black

Former President of Liberia Dr. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Her Excellency Dr. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia and Nobel Peace Laureate, Wednesday, July 2, 2025, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio at State House, Freetown, to personally congratulate him on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

During the visit, Dr. Sirleaf praised President Bio’s leadership, emphasizing her confidence in his ability to steer the regional bloc through a period marked by both significant challenges and opportunities, with you as the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, we are very pleased and assured that you will deliver, she said. By the end of your tenure, ECOWAS will be proud of your leadership.

Recognized as one of Africa’s most respected stateswomen, Dr. Sirleaf commended President Bio’s proven governance record, principled leadership, and unwavering commitment to regional peace and development.

In response, President Bio expressed heartfelt gratitude for Dr. Sirleaf’s visit and her enduring friendship. Madam President, you have always honoured me with your presence whenever you are in Sierra Leone, and you are always welcome here, he said warmly. He thanked her for her support and goodwill, assuring her of his dedication to fulfilling his new regional responsibilities.

President Bio reiterated his commitment to advancing peace, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and the empowerment of women and girls’ values both leaders have long championed.

The meeting ended on a hopeful note, with mutual expressions of solidarity and optimism for continued progress in West Africa under Sierra Leone’s leadership.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,7th July, 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)