Julius Maada Bio: Preserving Democracy and Constitutional Order in Africa

This event is organised by the Center for African Policy and is taking place at the Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities.

Distinguished Presidential Lecture featuring
His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio

President of the Republic of Sierra Leone
Chairperson, Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS

This Distinguished Presidential Lecture convenes students, scholars, and global leaders for an evening of high-level reflection and dialogue on governance, leadership, and democratic resilience.

Presidential Lecture:
Defending Constitutional Democracy in an Era of Coups and Electoral Uncertainty in West Africa.

Drawing on his unique leadership trajectory across periods of political transition, President Bio will offer a rare, first-hand perspective on the evolving pressures facing democratic institutions in West Africa. His address will engage directly with questions of legitimacy, institutional resilience, civil-military relations, and regional responsibility.

This engagement provides a distinctive opportunity to hear from a sitting Head of State who has navigated both military and democratic leadership, and who currently plays a central role in shaping regional responses to constitutional challenges through ECOWAS.

The session will feature a keynote presidential address, followed by a moderated discussion and audience Q&A, creating space for substantive engagement and exchange.