In a direct bid to reinforce democratic governance and regional security, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, met with members of the Parliament of Sierra Leone on July 17, 2026.
The high-level bilateral talks took place in Freetown on the sidelines of the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings.
Strengthening Parliamentary Diplomacy
The meeting underscored the vital role of parliamentary diplomacy in accelerating West African integration and protecting democratic institutions. Accompanying Dr. Touray were key regional envoys, including Ambassador John Azumah, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Sierra Leone; Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security; and Mr. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet in the Office of the President of the ECOWAS Commission.
The Sierra Leonean delegation included Honourable Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, Deputy Speaker of Parliament; Honourable Matthew Sahr Nyuma, Majority Leader and Head of Government Business; Honourable Basiru Silikie, Deputy Leader of Government Business; and Honourable Veronica Kadie Sesay, Head of the Sierra Leone Delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament. Also present was Honourable Billay Tunkara, Majority Leader of the National Assembly of The Gambia and Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament.
Addressing West Africa’s Security Challenges
Deliberations centered on deepening structural collaboration among the ECOWAS Commission, national legislatures, the ECOWAS Parliament, and Member States. Leaders discussed proactive strategies to address emerging political instability and security threats currently facing the sub-region.
During the session, Sierra Leonean lawmakers commended the regional body’s intervention strategies, praising the Commission’s steadfast commitment to maintaining political stability in Freetown and across the bloc.
“We express our profound appreciation to Dr. Touray for his exemplary leadership of the ECOWAS Commission and commend the Community’s unwavering support in promoting peace, democratic governance, and stability in Sierra Leone and across the West African region,” the parliamentarians noted in a joint statement during the meeting.
Responding to the lawmakers, Dr. Touray expressed gratitude for their recognition, reaffirming the Commission’s dedication to working alongside national parliaments to safeguard democracy and drive sustainable development across West Africa.
Share this
