Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has been elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, who chaired the regional economic bloc for the past two years.
The transition occurred during the 67th ordinary session of the authority held in Abuja.
Bio promised to prioritize restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy in the region, while also focusing on revitalizing regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility.
Tinubu, who was first elected to the position in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023, and re-elected a year later in Abuja, praised Bio and urged the three French-speaking West African countries that pulled out of the bloc following coups to return.
In his inaugural speech, Bio acknowledged Tinubu’s “outstanding leadership” and “unwavering commitment to regional dialogue, economic recovery, and peace building”.
As the new chairman, Bio will face challenges in navigating regional integration, security, and economic development. ECOWAS, established in 1975, aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its 15 member states.
The bloc has been working to restore democracy in member states facing coups, particularly in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
