By: Zacharia Jalloh, Strategic Communications Unit, Ministry of Information and Civic Education
At the MOICE weekly press conference on Tuesday, 1st June 2025, senior government officials shared updates on energy, civic engagement, regional diplomacy, and Sierra Leone’s new leadership role in ECOWAS. Key announcements included an energy contract extension with Karpowership, details on the upcoming Civic Day in Kono, and the responsibilities and opportunities tied to President Julius Maada Bio’s new role as Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The following are the key highlights:
Government Secures Power Supply with Karpowership Deal
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a steady electricity supply for the people of Sierra Leone. He announced the official signing of a one-year extension contract between the Ministry of Energy, through EDSA, and Karpowership. Under this agreement, Karpowership will provide 25 megawatts of electricity during the rainy season and 45 megawatts in the dry season. Importantly, the government also reached a negotiated settlement to restructure the outstanding debt owed to Karpowership, reflecting prudent financial management.
Civic Day Series Heads to Kono District
Minister Bah also announced the continuation of the Ministry’s Civic Day Series, scheduled to take place in Kono District from 28–29 July 2025. The two-day event will feature a quiz and debate on the first day and a town hall engagement on the second day with the participation of government ministers and Kono stakeholders. Further details will be shared on the Ministry’s official social media platforms.
President Bio’s ECOWAS Chairmanship and Regional Vision
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba, highlighted the significance of President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s appointment as Chair of ECOWAS. He emphasized President Bio’s vision to restore constitutional order and strengthen democracy across the region. Minister Kabba stated that the President also intends to prioritize regional security cooperation, promote trade and investment, and enhance people-to-people integration among member states.
One of the key goals is to eliminate non-tariff barriers to ensure the seamless movement of goods and services across ECOWAS borders. The Minister assured citizens that President Bio is committed to restoring trust and credibility to ECOWAS and is receiving full institutional support to succeed in this challenging task.
Clarification on ECOWAS Financial Obligations
Addressing public concerns regarding the financial implications of Sierra Leone chairing ECOWAS, Minister Kabba clarified that the ECOWAS Commission will fund the bloc’s operational activities, while Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Finance will provide support to the President’s office during his tenure. He assured the nation that this support will not jeopardize the country’s economy, citing the 0.5% ECOWAS levy as a sustainable revenue source. Minister Kabba also recalled how other nations made sacrifices to support Sierra Leone in the past, and emphasized President Bio’s determination to position Sierra Leone as a major player on the international stage.
Update on Yenga Border Issue
Regarding the long-standing Yenga border dispute with Guinea, Minister Kabba noted that while President Bio’s tenure as ECOWAS Chair will be guided by regional protocols, Sierra Leone has already taken strategic diplomatic steps to seek a peaceful resolution. He expressed optimism that a diplomatic solution will soon be reached.
Parliamentarian Highlights Benefits of ECOWAS Leadership
Rt. Hon. Saa Emerson Lamina, a member of Sierra Leone’s delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, praised President Bio’s distinguished leadership, noting that his military background and statesmanship positioned him as the ideal choice to engage diplomatically with countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which previously withdrew from the bloc.
Hon. Lamina outlined several anticipated benefits of Sierra Leone’s leadership in ECOWAS, including economic gains, a boost to the tourism sector, and an expanded role for the Sierra Leone Armed Forces in regional peacekeeping. He also revealed that the ECOWAS depot in Lungi is now 95% complete and will host the bloc’s standby force once fully operational.
Civil Society Welcomes President Bio’s ECOWAS Chairmanship
Madam Juliet Anderson, National Coordinator of the Civil Society Movement Sierra Leone, congratulated President Bio on his ECOWAS appointment and commended the country’s open civic space. She praised Sierra Leone as a country where civil society operates freely, unlike other West African nations currently facing restrictions. Madam Juliet emphasized that civil society has historically played a vital role in restoring and sustaining democracy in Sierra Leone and the wider region.
Speaking on the Yenga issue, she expressed confidence that Sierra Leone’s tenure as ECOWAS Chair offers a strategic window to resolve the border dispute with Guinea amicably. She reaffirmed civil society’s readiness to support democratic consolidation during this historic leadership period.
