Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye Elected New ECOWAS Chairman

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) succeeding Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio.

Faye, at 46, assumed leadership of the 15-nation ECOWAS bloc during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown.

ECOWAS faces ongoing security challenges, including insurgencies in the Sahel, disruptions to democratic processes in some member states, and tensions from the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. President Faye’s new role will focus on restoring regional unity, maintaining diplomatic ties with the departing countries, and implementing reforms to strengthen governance, accountability, and youth participation.

The summit also achieved tangible progress in economic integration. Leaders approved advancements in the Nigeria-Morocco Atlantic Gas Pipeline project. This major 6,000-kilometre infrastructure initiative aims to deliver Nigerian natural gas across several West African nations, boosting energy access and creating jobs.

Faye’s election marks a generational shift in West African leadership. His year as ECOWAS Chairman will prioritise strengthening the bloc’s relevance through improved cooperation in security economic development and political stability.