By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Sierra Leone has secured a prominent position in the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), following the assumption of office by former Foreign Affairs Minister, Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali, as Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS).
Mrs. Alghali formally assumed office on Monday, 31 August 2026, during a handover ceremony held at the new ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. Her assumption of office marks the beginning of her four-year mandate in one of the regional bloc’s most strategic portfolios.
The PAPS portfolio covers political affairs, conflict prevention, peacebuilding, democratic governance and regional security across West Africa.
Mrs. Alghali succeeds Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, who served as Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security for four years.
Her appointment forms part of the transition to a new ECOWAS executive management team following the completion of the four-year mandates of the outgoing ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and other statutory appointees whose terms began in 2022.
The new ECOWAS leadership is headed by Senegal’s Birame Diop as President of the ECOWAS Commission, while His Excellency Anthony Oluwatosin Ogunjimi has assumed the position of Vice President, succeeding Mrs. Damteim Tchintchibidjia.
Mrs. Alghali’s appointment is regarded as a significant diplomatic achievement for Sierra Leone and further underscores the country’s contribution to regional peace, stability and democratic governance.
The Abuja ceremony also featured the unveiling of a special ECOWAS@50 publication presented by The Agenda Network in partnership with the ECOWAS Commission. A documentary highlighting the achievements of the outgoing administration was also screened.
Another highlight was the symbolic presentation of the Management Performance Compendium to the incoming executive leadership.
In his farewell address, outgoing Commission President Dr. Touray expressed appreciation to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for its support throughout his four-year tenure.
While reflecting on the achievements of his administration, Dr. Touray acknowledged that significant challenges remain across the West African sub region. He urged the incoming leadership to continue efforts to address the political, economic and security challenges confronting the region.
In his maiden address, President Birame Diop pledged his administration’s commitment to advancing regional integration, peace and unity across West Africa.
He identified accountability, transparency and the effective mobilization and utilization of resources as key pillars for strengthening public confidence in ECOWAS and improving the effectiveness of the regional institution.
President Diop further identified regional stability, democratic governance, peace and security as key priorities for his administration as ECOWAS begins a new chapter following its 50th anniversary.
“A new chapter has been opened for regional integration; let us all make it a chapter for peace and unity,” President Diop said.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, regional representatives, development partners and other stakeholders, including Senegal’s Foreign Minister, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, the Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament and members of the ECOWAS Permanent Representatives Committee.
Sierra Leone was represented by its High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, His Excellency Dr. Julius F. Sandy, who attended alongside officials and staff of the Sierra Leone High Commission and the country’s accredited mission to ECOWAS.
Mrs. Alghali assumes the new responsibility at a critical period for ECOWAS, as the regional bloc continues to confront complex political and security challenges while seeking to strengthen regional integration and cooperation.
With her experience in government, diplomacy and international affairs, her appointment is expected to strengthen Sierra Leone’s voice in high-level ECOWAS discussions on peace, security and governance.
As Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mrs. Alghali will play a key role in ECOWAS efforts to prevent conflicts, promote constitutional governance, strengthen peacebuilding initiatives and support stability across the region.
Her assumption of office therefore marks a significant new chapter in her diplomatic career and reinforces Sierra Leone’s role in shaping the regional peace and security agenda.