Aminata Turay
Sierra Leone’s Vice President, Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, on Thursday 26 February, 2026 received a courtesy call from the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff, who are in Freetown for their 44th Ordinary Meeting. While the visit formed part of their official engagements, the Vice President described it as an honour a reflection of Sierra Leone’s role within the regional security architecture.The discussions centred on the evolving defence and security challenges confronting West Africa. With shifting threats across the sub-region, the engagement underscored the need for continued collaboration among member states of the Economic Community of West African States. The meeting highlighted not only strategy but shared responsibility in preserving stability.During the engagement, VP Jalloh proposed the establishment of a Regional Defence Academy, a centre of excellence that would bring together young officers from across ECOWAS countries to train and learn side by side. He noted that beyond professional development, such an institution would help foster bonds of trust among future military leaders.The proposal reflects a broader belief that regional security is strengthened when relationships are built early and sustained over time. By encouraging joint training and interaction, the Vice President positioned the academy as a practical step toward deeper regional integration and coordinated responses to common challenges.On behalf of President Julius Maada Bio, the Vice President expressed sincere gratitude to the Chiefs of Defence Staff for their continued commitment to safeguarding democracy, peace and stability across West Africa. The meeting closed with a clear message: protecting the region requires unity, shared vision and consistent cooperation.