Reported by Quest FMTV News
The President of Sierra Leone, Julius Maada Bio, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, marking the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s two-term leadership of the regional bloc.
The official handover took place on Sunday during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had been selected during a closed-door meeting ahead of the summit, it was President Bio who emerged as the consensus choice to steer the regional body.
In his inaugural address, President Bio outlined four key priorities for his tenure: restoring constitutional order and deepening democratic governance, revitalising regional security cooperation, advancing economic integration, and enhancing institutional credibility within the bloc.
President Tinubu, who was first elected ECOWAS chairman in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023, and re-elected in 2024 in Abuja, thanked his fellow leaders for entrusting him with the role over the past two years. He expressed optimism about the bloc’s future and called for continued unity in addressing the region’s pressing challenges.
“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 during his farewell speech.
Reflecting on his tenure, Tinubu acknowledged the complex issues faced by the sub-region, including political transitions, security threats, and governance challenges. He emphasized the importance of vigilance and responsiveness in meeting the evolving needs of West African citizens.
“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 urged.
He further stressed that ECOWAS must maintain a careful balance between its foundational mission of economic integration and the growing political and security demands across the sub-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.
As President Bio takes the reins, ECOWAS faces critical tests, including regional instability, ongoing threats of terrorism, and efforts to re-engage with member states that have withdrawn from the bloc. His leadership will be closely watched as the organisation navigates an era marked by shifting alliances and deepening security and governance concerns.