By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, October 24, 2026: Former President of Sierra Leone, Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, has joined African heads of state, policymakers, diplomats and security experts at the 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, underway in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, from October 23 to 25.
Held under the theme, “Pathways to Peace in Africa: Economic Sovereignty and Geopolitical Transformation,” the annual forum is focusing on some of the continent’s most pressing peace and security challenges amid shifting global alliances, prolonged conflicts and growing competition over strategic resources.
Discussions are taking place against the backdrop of ongoing instability in several parts of Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa, where the conflict in Sudan, insecurity in Somalia and South Sudan, and rising regional tensions continue to threaten stability and development efforts.
This year’s forum is examining the link between economic sovereignty and sustainable peace, exploring how African nations can strengthen control over their natural resources, financial systems and strategic priorities to reduce vulnerability and enhance self-reliance.
President Koroma, whose tenure was marked by post-conflict reconstruction and development initiatives, is expected to contribute to a high-level panel discussion titled “From the Margins to the Centre: Building an African Model for Peace and Sovereignty in an Age of Geopolitical Rivalry.”
The panel will explore strategies for strengthening economic independence, transforming resource wealth into sustainable development, deepening regional cooperation and building resilient institutions capable of advancing African-led solutions to peace and security challenges.
Participants at the forum are also expected to deliberate on practical measures aimed at strengthening conflict prevention mechanisms, enhancing mediation efforts and reinforcing African ownership of the continent’s peace and security architecture.
President Koroma’s participation underscores his continued engagement in continental affairs and his commitment to promoting peace, good governance and sustainable development across Africa.
The Tana Forum is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading platforms for high-level dialogue on peace and security, bringing together political leaders, academics, civil society actors and international partners to address emerging challenges facing the continent.