Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been appointed Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the close of the bloc’s 69th Ordinary Summit in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
He succeeds Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who completed his one-year term and officially handed over the leadership.
President Faye assumes office at a time when ECOWAS is facing major security, political and economic challenges across the region.
The new ECOWAS chairman pledged to prioritize the operationalization of the regional counter-terrorism force, strengthen resource sharing, improve the organization’s financial independence and enhance support for communities affected by crises.
His appointment comes alongside broader leadership changes within ECOWAS, with Senegal also set to lead the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term through General Birame Diop.
The development places Senegal at the forefront of efforts to advance regional integration, tackle insecurity and redefine ECOWAS relations with the Confederation of Sahel States.
