FREETOWN, Sierra Leone – Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has assumed the chairmanship of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), taking over from Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio at a time the regional bloc faces deep political and security challenges.
Faye’s election was announced on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, where regional leaders gathered to discuss issues affecting West Africa, including insecurity, democratic governance and regional economic cooperation.
President Bio handed over the rotating chairmanship after completing a one-year mandate that placed emphasis on strengthening regional security, restoring constitutional order in countries affected by political instability and promoting economic integration among member states.
The transition comes as ECOWAS navigates one of its most difficult periods, following military takeovers in parts of the region and the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which formed the Alliance of Sahel States after their exit from the bloc.
President Faye, who came to power in Senegal in 2024, inherits the responsibility of leading efforts to rebuild unity within ECOWAS, strengthen dialogue with estranged member states and advance cooperation on peace, security and trade. His chairmanship is expected to test ECOWAS’ ability to maintain regional influence while addressing growing concerns over terrorism, political instability and public confidence in regional institutions.
