ECOWAS Chairman and Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio Mourns the Death of Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
By Raymond Enoch
In a solemn tribute laden with emotion and statesmanship, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and current Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The late President Buhari, who passed away on Sunday, 13 July 2025, at the age of 82, is being mourned not only as a former Nigerian leader but as a towering figure on the African and global stage whose influence extended well beyond the borders of his homeland.
In an official statement issued from State House in Freetown, President Bio described Buhari as “a formidable statesman” and “a true patriot,” adding that “his unwavering commitment to the service of his nation and to the unity and development of West Africa leaves an indelible mark on our collective history.”
“As President of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government,” President Bio said, “I extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Nigeria, to His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and most profoundly to the bereaved family of the late President Muhammadu Buhari. During this time of great sorrow, Sierra Leone stands in solidarity with the people of Nigeria. We join all West Africans and the global community in mourning the loss of a true patriot.”
Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria’s democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, having previously held the office as military Head of State in the 1980s. His leadership, particularly during his second term, was marked by determined efforts to curb corruption, strengthen democratic institutions, and combat terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.
President Bio paid particular tribute to Buhari’s tenure as Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority, where he played a pivotal role in conflict resolution and regional diplomacy.
“His courageous commitment to the advancement of regional peace, political stability, and economic integration was a hallmark of his stewardship,” said Bio. “He offered not just a voice of reason but often led with quiet strength in the most challenging of regional moments—from mediating political transitions in Guinea and Mali to fostering security dialogue in the Sahel.”
President Bio also spoke of his personal relationship with the late Nigerian leader, describing him as “a friend, a mentor, and a brother in the struggle for African self-determination, transparency, and dignity.”
“Buhari believed deeply in Africa’s potential,” President Bio added. “Even in retirement, he remained a beacon of integrity, often sought after for advice and guidance.”
In cities across West Africa, from Lagos to Accra and from Monrovia to Banjul, flags are flying at half-mast. Tributes have begun pouring in from across the continent and the international community, with world leaders acknowledging Buhari’s dedication to democratic governance and regional cooperation.
President Bio concluded his message with a call for unity in the face of collective grief.
“As we mourn, let us be reminded of our shared vision for a stronger, more united West Africa—one where leaders rise not just for the good of their nations but for the good of the region. Muhammadu Buhari embodied that vision.”
The Government of Nigeria has announced that a state funeral will be held in Abuja, with regional leaders expected to attend. ECOWAS has declared a three-day mourning period across its 15 member states, and a special session will be convened next week to honor the former President’s contribution to the region.
