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), taking over the leadership of the 15-member regional bloc at a time of mounting security, political and diplomatic challenges in West Africa.
Faye was elected on Sunday during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, succeeding President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
His emergence comes just over a year after Bio assumed the chairmanship from Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority in Abuja in June 2025, following Tinubu’s completion of two consecutive terms as chairman of the regional body.
Faye inherits the leadership of ECOWAS at a critical period, with the organisation grappling with escalating insecurity, democratic challenges and the continued withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the regional bloc.
One of his immediate priorities is expected to be rebuilding trust with the three Sahel nations while sustaining diplomatic engagement aimed at preserving regional cooperation despite their exit from ECOWAS.
At 46, Faye becomes one of the youngest leaders to chair the regional organisation, a development observers believe could inject fresh momentum into ECOWAS’ reform agenda, particularly in the areas of democratic governance, institutional reforms, youth inclusion, accountability and regional integration.
His election also places Senegal at the forefront of key political, diplomatic and security decisions affecting West Africa.
Reacting to his election, President Faye expressed gratitude to his fellow leaders for the confidence reposed in Senegal and pledged to work towards strengthening regional unity.
“It is with humility that I welcome the trust placed in our country, called to the presiding presidency of ECOWAS,” Faye wrote in a message posted on his official X account.
“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.”
The Senegalese leader also congratulated General Birame Diop on his election as President of the ECOWAS Commission and pledged his administration’s full support.
“I congratulate General of the Army Birame Diop, elected to the presidency of the Commission, and assure him of my full support.”
He concluded his message with a call for greater regional cohesion, declaring: “Long live ECOWAS. Long live a reconciled and united West Africa.”
Faye’s election comes as ECOWAS continues efforts to redefine its role amid shifting political dynamics across the region, particularly following a series of military coups and the formation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) by Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
His tenure is expected to focus on restoring confidence in regional institutions, strengthening democratic governance, enhancing economic integration and addressing persistent security threats, including terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organised crime, while keeping diplomatic channels open with the breakaway Sahel nations.
