Senegal’s President Elected New ECOWAS Chairman
Senegalese President Diomaye Faye has been chosen as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government. His emergence was confirmed during the bloc’s 69th Ordinary Session held in Sierra Leone.
Faye takes over the leadership role from Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who had assumed the position following the end of President Bola Tinubu’s tenure in 2025. The transition places Senegal at the forefront of regional decision-making at a time when ECOWAS is navigating complex political and security challenges.
The regional body continues to grapple with issues such as instability in parts of West Africa, democratic concerns, and the disengagement of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger from the bloc. As chairman, Faye is expected to prioritise dialogue and diplomatic engagement in efforts to maintain cooperation and rebuild relationships within the region.
At 46, the Senegalese leader represents a younger generation of leadership in West Africa. His appointment is seen as an opportunity to drive reforms focused on governance, institutional credibility and broader inclusion, while strengthening ECOWAS’ role in addressing emerging regional concerns.
