Senegal's Faye elected new ECOWAS chairman

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. The 46-year-old leader assumed the position during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Sierra Leone.

Faye takes over from Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who held the chairmanship since June 2025. His election occurs at a pivotal moment for the West African regional body. ECOWAS is currently navigating significant challenges, including escalating insecurity, democratic setbacks, and strained relationships with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, nations that recently withdrew from the bloc.

As the new chairman, Faye is anticipated to focus on strengthening regional cooperation. He is also expected to pursue diplomatic engagement with the breakaway states in an effort to maintain stability across West Africa. His leadership is seen as bringing fresh energy to regional diplomacy, with expectations that he will advance discussions on institutional reforms, democratic governance, accountability, and increased youth participation in public affairs.