Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeding Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio.
Faye emerged as the new regional leader during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where leaders of the 12-member bloc unanimously endorsed his appointment.
His election comes at a critical time for the regional bloc, which is grappling with growing insecurity, political instability, economic integration challenges and strained relations with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger following their withdrawal from ECOWAS.
In his acceptance speech, Faye pledged to strengthen regional unity, promote peace and security, deepen economic cooperation and restore confidence in ECOWAS among member states. He also stressed the need for dialogue to address divisions within West Africa while advancing regional integration.
The 45-year-old Senegalese leader, who took office in April 2024 after a landslide electoral victory, has positioned himself as an advocate for governance reforms, anti-corruption measures and stronger African cooperation. His diplomatic approach is expected to play a key role in efforts to re-engage the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger—which formally exited ECOWAS earlier this year.
Faye inherits an organisation facing one of the most challenging periods in its 50-year history. Besides managing the fallout from the departure of the three Sahel nations, ECOWAS continues to confront terrorism, violent extremism, unconstitutional changes of government, youth unemployment and cross-border crime across the region.
The summit also discussed measures to improve regional security cooperation, accelerate the implementation of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, strengthen the free movement of people and goods, and advance infrastructure projects aimed at boosting economic growth across West Africa.
Faye’s election also reinforces Senegal’s growing influence within the regional bloc. Last year, ECOWAS member states agreed that Senegal would hold the presidency of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term, further consolidating the country’s leadership role in the organisation.
As ECOWAS chairman, Faye is expected to lead mediation efforts in political crises, coordinate regional responses to security threats and drive initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy, stability and economic integration across West Africa.
