By Amos Harris
Monrovia, Liberia – Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, in his capacity as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), delivered a powerful address during Liberia’s 178th Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 26, 2025. Speaking at the historic Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia, President Bio issued a stirring call for regional unity, peace, and democratic resilience, representing the ECOWAS troop-contributing countries with a deeply personal and moving tribute to the shared sacrifices of West African nations during Liberia’s civil war.
President Bio, who once served as a young peacekeeper in Liberia, reflected on his past role. “I once stood on this sacred soil in uniform—not in ceremony, but in service,” he recalled. “Then, I walked the streets of White Plains, Gardnersville, and other communities as a peace enforcer—not as a dignitary, but to help restore order.” He described the emotional significance of his return not just as a head of state, but as a brother to the Liberian people, whose history is profoundly intertwined with that of his own country.
On behalf of Sierra Leone and other ECOWAS nations, President Bio expressed profound gratitude for Liberia’s acknowledgment of their role in restoring peace. He described Liberia’s gesture of appreciation as “not just a diplomatic courtesy, but a deeply meaningful tribute to thousands of West African soldiers and civilians who risked and many who gave their lives to defend peace and democracy.” He emphasized, “We did not come to conquer but to serve. Some never returned home, and others came back changed. But every one of them contributed to the miracle we witness today—a peaceful and democratic Liberia.”
The ECOWAS Chair passionately warned against taking peace for granted. “Peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is the presence of dignity,” he stressed. “It allows our children to learn, our traders to trade, and our democracies to thrive. The price of peace is eternal vigilance.” He urged West African nations to tirelessly uphold the ideals of inclusive governance, justice, and human dignity, cautioning that “when politics is poisoned by bitterness or tribalism, peace suffers and democracy collapses.”
President Bio highlighted the deep and historic ties between Liberia and Sierra Leone, describing their proximity as more than geographical—it is spiritual and cultural. “Our rivers flow into each other. Our songs echo one another. A proverb in one land finds its answer in the hills of Lofa,” he stated. “When Liberia trembled under war, Sierra Leone trembled too; this is not coincidence. This is kinship.” Addressing Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai directly, President Bio declared, “My brother, the peace of Liberia is the peace of Sierra Leone, and the peace of Sierra Leone is the peace of Liberia.”
Amid rising political instability in parts of West Africa, President Bio urged ECOWAS countries to view elections not merely as contests for power but as solemn opportunities to renew the social contract between citizens and their governments. “Elections are not wars—they are sacred moments to renew the social contract,” he asserted. He commended Liberia for its consistent adherence to democratic processes, particularly the recent peaceful transition of power, calling it “a beacon for the entire region.”
Beyond politics, the Sierra Leonean leader called for deeper economic and social integration within the ECOWAS community, envisioning a region where “borders bind, not divide,” and where “farmers, traders, and students feel at home across our borders.” He advocated for “daily cooperation, not just in moments of crisis,” underscoring the interconnectedness of the region’s prosperity. “When Liberia prospers, Sierra Leone is strengthened. And when Sierra Leone struggles, Liberia cannot remain untouched.”
President Bio also acknowledged the international community’s support for Liberia’s peace and progress, noting congratulatory messages from global leaders including King Charles III of the United Kingdom, President Emmanuel Macron of France, President Xi Jinping of China, and the Holy See.
President Maada Bio’s remarks served as both a reflection and a challenge: to remember the sacrifices of the past, to nurture peace in the present, and to stand together in shaping a stable and prosperous future for the West African region. He concluded, “As Liberia continues its journey of healing and nation-building, let us remember that peace is not just the absence of war—it is a duty, a commitment, and a shared responsibility.” His words resonated as a clarion call for renewed solidarity, regional cooperation, and the defense of democracy, not just in times of conflict, but every day.