Freetown, 3rd August, 2026 -Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and Gabon’s President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema have agreed to transform their longstanding friendship into a structured strategic partnership, following high‑level talks at State House in Freetown on Monday.
The bilateral engagement focused on deepening cooperation in natural resources, agriculture, maritime security, trade, and democratic governance. President Bio described the visit as “a more ambitious chapter” in Sierra Leone–Gabon relations, rooted in shared history and aspirations for sustainable African prosperity.
President Bio congratulated his Gabonese counterpart on Gabon’s peaceful return to constitutional governance and commended his leadership during a critical transition. He proposed three immediate priorities:
Operationalising the Sierra Leone–Gabon Joint Communiqué for Cooperation, launching structured collaboration in natural resources, agriculture, and maritime security and developing a time‑bound roadmap through both countries’ foreign ministries.
Bio emphasized that the partnership should deliver tangible results, including expanded trade, investment opportunities, and improved living standards. He welcomed Gabonese investment in Sierra Leone’s agriculture, mining, fisheries, energy, and tourism sectors, while encouraging Sierra Leonean businesses to explore opportunities in Gabon.
President Oligui Nguema expressed gratitude for Sierra Leone’s hospitality and support during his inauguration in 2025. He highlighted the importance of formalising broader cooperation, strengthening private sector engagement, and tackling shared challenges such as illegal fishing and resource management in the Gulf of Guinea.
On regional security, he called for dialogue to resolve tensions involving the Alliance of Sahel States and reiterated the need for peaceful solutions to the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The meeting concluded with President Bio presenting an artefact to President Oligui Nguema as a symbol of enduring friendship. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a partnership that promotes regional stability, economic growth, and sustainable development for the benefit of their peoples.
