By: Precious Miracle Kargbo Snr
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) following the conclusion of the bloc’s 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government.
The leadership transition took place on Sunday, as outgoing ECOWAS Chairman and President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, officially handed over the symbol of authority of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government to President Faye.
In his farewell remarks, President Bio expressed appreciation for the opportunity to lead the 15-member regional bloc over the past year. He described the experience as an honour, particularly at a time when West Africa faced significant challenges, including political transitions, security threats, and efforts to strengthen regional economic integration.
“I am proud of the progress we have made together as a region,” President Bio stated. “I now hand over to President Faye with full confidence in his leadership to steer ECOWAS towards greater unity, peace, and prosperity.”
President Faye, who assumed office as Senegal’s President in 2024, takes over the ECOWAS chairmanship at a crucial period for the regional organisation. ECOWAS continues to address several challenges, including political instability, security threats in the Sahel region, the decision by some member states to withdraw from the bloc, and the need to accelerate regional trade and economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
In his acceptance speech, President Faye pledged to promote peace, democracy, and economic integration across West Africa. He stressed the importance of dialogue and collective action to strengthen unity among member states and advance policies that improve the lives of ECOWAS citizens.
“We must set a new direction for cooperation and integration,” President Faye said. “Our decisions today will determine the future we leave for the next generation of West Africans.”
As ECOWAS Chairman, President Faye will provide political leadership and strategic direction for the regional bloc during his one-year tenure. He will also represent the Authority of Heads of State and Government in engagements with international partners.
His assumption of office comes amid growing expectations for stronger regional cooperation, improved security coordination, and practical measures to promote sustainable development across West Africa.