By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has elected His Excellency Julius Maada Bio, President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, as the new Chairman of the Authority for a one-year term. This announcement was made at the conclusion of the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Summit, held in Abuja, Nigeria.
President Bio takes over the chairmanship from H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, whose tenure officially ended during the summit. The session brought together West African leaders to review critical regional issues, including security, political stability, economic integration, and development priorities.
During the opening of the session, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, welcomed the Heads of State and commended Nigeria for its leadership and warm hospitality. He paid tribute to President Tinubu for his service during a challenging period in the region.
Dr. Touray emphasized ECOWAS’s status as Africa’s most advanced Regional Economic Community, marking 50 years of progress despite facing significant security and political challenges.
Dr. Touray expressed optimism about ongoing diplomatic dialogue with the three member states that had previously withdrawn from ECOWAS, describing the talks as positive and promising. He called for stronger regional support for the private sector to drive job creation, sustainable growth, and deeper economic integration.
He also acknowledged the visionary leadership of ECOWAS’s founding fathers in laying the foundation for unity and regional cooperation.
Outgoing Chairman President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his final address, reflected on ECOWAS’s five-decade journey and acknowledged its notable achievements in economic development and political cohesion. However, he also issued a stern warning on the rising threats of terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crimes, which he described as obstacles to the region’s aspirations for peace and prosperity.
“While celebrating our achievements over the past 50 years, we must also confront the challenges that continue to impede our aspirations — like security threats, violent extremism, and other cross-border crimes that continue to widen and deepen in their intensity,” President Tinubu said. “No single nation can address these challenges alone. We must rethink coordination, amplify political will, and prioritize a collective approach to security.”
His call for decisive regional cooperation and enhanced security collaboration set the tone for the deliberations that followed.
Also speaking at the summit, H.E. Leonardo Santos Simão, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), conveyed the UN’s strong commitment to supporting peace, security, and regional integration in West Africa. He highlighted the UN’s diplomatic engagement in the region and echoed the need for collective regional action to counter the persistent threat of terrorism.
H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, represented by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, extended his congratulations to ECOWAS on its 50th anniversary. He praised the bloc’s legacy as a symbol of resilience and integration since its establishment in 1975.
Looking forward, the AU urged a united approach to tackling terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, and socio-economic inequality. The AU also called for a people-centered development model, empowering youth and women to lead transformation through innovation, technology, and access to quality education.
In assuming the chairmanship, President Julius Maada Bio steps into a pivotal role at a critical juncture for the region. His leadership is expected to steer ECOWAS through the implementation of key resolutions from the summit, particularly in strengthening peace, democracy, and regional cooperation.
A final communique is expected to outline the outcomes and commitments agreed upon during the summit.
