FREETOWN — Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has emerged as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, succeeding Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio.
Faye’s election was announced during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown on Sunday.
The 44-year-old Senegalese leader takes over the regional bloc at a time when West Africa is grappling with political instability, insecurity, and the challenge of regional integration following the exit of three member states.
Speaking after his election, President Faye pledged to prioritize peace, democracy, youth empowerment and economic integration within the region.
In another key appointment, the Authority named Ambassador Biram Diop as the new President of the ECOWAS Commission, replacing Dr. Omar Alieu Touray of The Gambia.
Diop, a career diplomat, is expected to drive the administrative and policy direction of the Commission over the next four years.
The summit, attended by leaders from across the 12 remaining member states, focused on strengthening regional integration, enhancing cooperation in trade, security and infrastructure, and promoting solidarity among the peoples of West Africa.
Top on the agenda were discussions on constitutional governance, the fight against terrorism in the Sahel, free movement of persons and goods, and strategies to revitalize the ECOWAS single currency project.
Outgoing Chairman, President Julius Maada Bio, in his farewell remarks, urged his colleagues to remain committed to the ideals of ECOWAS despite current challenges, noting that unity remains the only path to prosperity for the region.
The new ECOWAS leadership is expected to engage member states on reconciliation efforts and chart a new course for the organization amid ongoing geopolitical realignments in West Africa.
Senegal’s Faye Emerges New ECOWAS Chairman as Biram Diop Takes Over Commission
- Advertisement -
