Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye Elected ECOWAS Chairman

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeding Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio at the organisation’s 69th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

Faye’s election places him at the helm of the 15-member regional bloc for a one-year tenure during a period marked by political transitions, security challenges and renewed calls for greater regional integration across West Africa.

The 46-year-old Senegalese leader was unanimously endorsed by fellow heads of state and government, who expressed confidence in his ability to strengthen cooperation among member states and advance the objectives of the regional organisation.

Speaking after his election, Faye thanked his colleagues for the confidence reposed in Senegal and pledged to promote unity, peace and economic progress across the sub-region.

“It is with humility that I welcome the trust placed in our country, called to the presiding presidency of ECOWAS,” Faye said.

“I thank my peers, Heads of State and Government, for this mark of trust and for the spirit of fraternity that presided over our work.”

He reaffirmed his commitment to building a reconciled and united West Africa, stating that collective security, economic sovereignty and fidelity to the founding ideals of ECOWAS would define his administration.

The summit also recorded another diplomatic milestone for Senegal as former Minister of the Armed Forces, General Birame Diop, was elected President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term.

Diop succeeds Gambian diplomat Omar Touray, who has served as President of the Commission since 2022.

His emergence marks the first time since ECOWAS was established in 1975 that Senegal will lead the Commission, a key institution responsible for implementing the decisions and policies of the regional body.

Faye congratulated Diop on his election and assured him of Senegal’s full support in advancing the Commission’s mandate.

ECOWAS leaders at the summit deliberated on pressing regional issues, including democratic governance, economic integration, peace and security, counter-terrorism efforts and sustainable development.

The election of Faye comes as the regional bloc seeks to strengthen unity and rebuild confidence following political tensions and security challenges in parts of West Africa, while advancing efforts to promote stability, economic cooperation and democratic governance across member states.