President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has been named the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose two-term leadership of the regional bloc has concluded.
The transition of leadership took place during the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority, held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
Contrary to prior speculation suggesting Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had been selected during a private meeting ahead of the session, it was President Bio who emerged as the new ECOWAS Chair.
In his inaugural address, President Bio pledged to focus on four strategic priorities during his tenure: restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy, revitalising regional security cooperation, accelerating economic integration, and strengthening institutional credibility.
President Tinubu, who first assumed the chairmanship in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023, and was re-elected a year later in Abuja to ensure continuity, formally handed over to Bio at the summit.
Reflecting on his time in office, Tinubu expressed gratitude to fellow leaders for their trust in his leadership.
“As we look forward to the future of West Africa, I remain positive that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale over greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and for our region,” Tinubu said.
He acknowledged the region’s challenges over the past two years, including political transitions and security threats, while urging continued vigilance and responsiveness to the evolving needs of West Africans.
“Let us deepen the cooperation upon diplomatic principle and foster inclusive growth that leaves none behind, especially our youth, women, and vulnerable population who remain central to the future of our region,” he stated.
“Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core original mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security, and governance challenges, including democratic values in our region.
“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to this and emerging challenges,” Tinubu concluded.
