Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has been elected the new Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), taking over from Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio.
Faye was elected on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where regional leaders gathered to discuss pressing political, economic and security issues confronting West Africa.
He succeeds Bio, who assumed the chairmanship in June 2025 after President Bola Tinubu completed his two-term tenure as leader of the regional bloc. Tinubu had formally handed over to Bio during the 67th Ordinary Session held in Abuja.
The Senegalese president assumes the role at a crucial time for ECOWAS as the organisation continues to contend with terrorism, democratic setbacks and the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the regional body.
As chairman, Faye is expected to prioritise rebuilding trust with the three breakaway nations while advancing regional peace, cooperation and political stability.
His emergence is also expected to inject fresh momentum into ongoing ECOWAS reforms, particularly in governance, accountability, youth participation and institutional effectiveness.
The appointment places Senegal at the centre of major diplomatic and political engagements across the West African sub-region.
The summit also approved the appointment of Biram Diop as President of the ECOWAS Commission, replacing Dr Omar Touray.
Faye’s election comes as the 15-member regional bloc continues to navigate challenges including terrorism, political instability, economic integration and efforts to redefine its relationship with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger following their exit from ECOWAS.
A former tax inspector, Faye was elected President of Senegal in 2024 on a reform-driven platform centred on anti-corruption, political renewal, economic transformation and greater national sovereignty.
His victory followed months of political tension in Senegal during which he and his political ally, Ousmane Sonko, were detained before both men were released ahead of the presidential election.
Since taking office in April 2024, Faye has pursued reforms aimed at improving governance, strengthening public institutions, creating jobs and repositioning Senegal’s economy.
He has also consistently advocated stronger African cooperation, fairer international partnerships and deeper regional integration.
As the new ECOWAS chairman, Faye is expected to spearhead initiatives to strengthen regional cooperation, promote democratic governance, combat terrorism and violent extremism, deepen economic integration and foster dialogue to address the region’s political and security challenges.
His leadership comes at a defining moment as ECOWAS works to restore unity and reshape regional cooperation amid changing geopolitical and security realities across West Africa.
