By Osaretin Osadebamwen
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected as the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government.
Faye was chosen to lead the regional bloc during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, which took place in Sierra Leone.
He succeeds Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who assumed the chairmanship in June 2025 after the completion of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as ECOWAS chairman.
Tinubu officially handed over the leadership of the regional organisation to Bio during the 67th Ordinary Session held in Abuja, paving the way for the latest transition in the bloc’s leadership.
Faye takes office at a challenging period for ECOWAS as the organisation continues to confront rising insecurity, democratic challenges and strained relations with Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
The three Sahel countries recently withdrew from ECOWAS, creating fresh diplomatic and political challenges for the regional body as it seeks to preserve unity and stability across West Africa.
As the new chairman, Faye is expected to focus on strengthening regional cooperation while sustaining diplomatic engagement with the breakaway states in an effort to promote peace and stability in the region.
At 46, Faye represents a new generation of African leaders. His leadership is expected to drive discussions on institutional reforms, democratic governance, accountability and increased youth participation in public affairs across West Africa.
