Follow Us on Google
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeding Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio at the bloc’s 69th Ordinary Session held in Lungi, Sierra Leone.
Faye’s election places him at the helm of the 15-member regional bloc for the next year, during a period marked by political transitions, security challenges and renewed efforts to strengthen regional economic integration across West Africa.
In another significant development for Senegal, General Birame Diop, the country’s former Minister of the Armed Forces, was elected President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term. His appointment marks the first time Senegal has secured the commission’s top executive position since ECOWAS was established in 1975.
Diop succeeds Gambian diplomat Omar Touray, who has led the commission since 2022.
Speaking after his election, Faye described the appointment as a responsibility that comes with the confidence of fellow West African leaders and pledged to work towards a stronger and more united sub-region.
“It is with humility that I welcome the trust placed in our country, called to the presiding presidency of ECOWAS,” Faye said.
He expressed appreciation to the heads of state and government for the confidence reposed in Senegal and congratulated Diop on his emergence as President of the ECOWAS Commission.
“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.
“I congratulate General of the Army Birame Diop, elected to the presidency of the Commission, and assure him of my full support.”
According to the Senegalese Presidency, Faye’s leadership of ECOWAS will prioritise collective security, economic sovereignty and renewed commitment to the ideals upon which the regional organisation was founded.
The 46-year-old leader also reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, saying he would work with member states to build “a reconciled and united” West Africa capable of addressing common political, economic and security challenges.
Founded in 1975, ECOWAS remains the principal regional economic and political organisation in West Africa, promoting economic integration, democratic governance, peace and security among its member states. Faye’s emergence comes as the bloc continues efforts to restore stability across the region while deepening economic cooperation and institutional reforms.
