Sierra Leone Calls for Stronger Regional Cooperation on Aviation Safety

Sierra Leone has urged aviation regulators to deepen regional cooperation, share technical expertise and maintain long-term investment in safety oversight and professional development.

The call was made by Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority Director General Musayeroh Barrie during the third Global Regional Safety Oversight Organizations and Regional Accident and Incident Investigation Organizations Forum for Aviation Safety in Georgetown, Guyana.

The two-day forum took place at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre from September 29 to 30, 2026. It was jointly organized by the International Civil Aviation Organization and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and hosted by the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority. Delegates from nearly 60 countries attended the gathering, which was held in the Americas for the first time.

Regional cooperation in focus

Barrie addressed the forum’s opening session on the benefits of regional cooperation. He said closer collaboration was important for improving aviation safety, expanding regulatory capacity and supporting the sustainable development of the aviation sector.

He noted that Sierra Leone and Guyana have similarities in their geographical landscapes and significant opportunities for aviation development. Barrie also stressed that growth in the aviation sector must be matched by strong safety and security measures, including effective regulatory systems and robust oversight.

According to Barrie, regional cooperation has supported the reform and development of the Sierra Leone Civil Aviation Authority. He said cooperation through regional safety oversight organizations had helped Sierra Leone access technical expertise, specialized training and institutional support.

He further emphasized that aviation safety depends on sustained investment, continuous professional development, technical expertise and consistent regulatory oversight. Because aircraft operations cross national borders, he said regulators must maintain cooperation, information sharing and consistency in their approaches.

Shared systems and expertise

The forum examined the delegation of safety and investigative functions, aviation workforce development, sustainable financing, industry partnerships, accident and incident investigation, and the development of common or harmonized regulatory frameworks and tools.

Participants exchanged experiences and considered ways to strengthen cooperation, safety oversight, accident investigation systems and regulatory capacity. The discussions also addressed challenges including high training costs, limited institutional capacity, sustainable funding and the retention of qualified aviation professionals.

Michele Merkle, Director of ICAO’s Air Navigation Bureau, said collaboration helps create communities of expertise in which knowledge, experience and solutions can move across the global aviation network.

The forum was held under the theme “Optimizing Resources through Coordination and Cooperation.”

Guyana’s aviation priorities

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Egbert Field, Director General of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority, said aviation is important to Guyana’s economy, particularly in mining, tourism and agriculture. He also emphasized the country’s commitment to maintaining aviation safety as its sector expands.

Barrie’s participation comes as Sierra Leone continues strengthening its aviation infrastructure and improving connectivity with regional and international destinations. His appeal placed emphasis on shared safety objectives and coordinated regulatory action as countries develop their aviation sectors.