The Senegalese government has announced the nomination of Defence Minister General Birame Diop (Retired) for the presidency of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad said President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will formally present Diop’s candidacy at the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for July 2026.

The government said the nomination reflects Senegal’s desire to place at the service of the region a leader with extensive experience in peace, security, governance and regional integration.

General Diop currently serves as Senegal’s Minister of the Armed Forces and has previously held several senior military positions, including Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Chief of the President’s Private Military Staff and Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

He also served as Military Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General in the Department of Peace Operations, where he contributed to conflict prevention, peacekeeping and international security initiatives.

According to the government, Diop has played a key role in security sector reform efforts across Africa, working with international partners including the United Nations and the European Union. He has also conducted research on security sector reform in Sub-Saharan Africa and helped establish institutions focused on strengthening Africa’s security and strategic capabilities.

The statement highlighted his military education at institutions in Morocco, the United States and France, as well as his academic work in diplomacy and international relations.

Senegal said General Diop’s experience, strategic vision and commitment to Pan-African cooperation make him well placed to lead the ECOWAS Commission at a time when the region faces significant security, political and economic challenges.

The government expressed confidence that he would serve the organisation with competence, impartiality and dedication if elected.

The presidency of the ECOWAS Commission is one of the bloc’s most influential positions, responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies and decisions aimed at promoting regional integration, peace and economic development across West Africa.

Senegal nominates Defence Minister Birame Diop for ECOWAS Commission presidency

The Senegalese government has announced the nomination of Defence Minister General Birame Diop (Retired) for the presidency of the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad said President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will formally present Diop’s candidacy at the ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for July 2026.

The government said the nomination reflects Senegal’s desire to place at the service of the region a leader with extensive experience in peace, security, governance and regional integration.

General Diop currently serves as Senegal’s Minister of the Armed Forces and has previously held several senior military positions, including Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Chief of the President’s Private Military Staff and Chief of Staff of the Air Force.

He also served as Military Adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General in the Department of Peace Operations, where he contributed to conflict prevention, peacekeeping and international security initiatives.

According to the government, Diop has played a key role in security sector reform efforts across Africa, working with international partners including the United Nations and the European Union. He has also conducted research on security sector reform in Sub-Saharan Africa and helped establish institutions focused on strengthening Africa’s security and strategic capabilities.

The statement highlighted his military education at institutions in Morocco, the United States and France, as well as his academic work in diplomacy and international relations.

Senegal said General Diop’s experience, strategic vision and commitment to Pan-African cooperation make him well placed to lead the ECOWAS Commission at a time when the region faces significant security, political and economic challenges.

The government expressed confidence that he would serve the organisation with competence, impartiality and dedication if elected.

The presidency of the ECOWAS Commission is one of the bloc’s most influential positions, responsible for overseeing the implementation of policies and decisions aimed at promoting regional integration, peace and economic development across West Africa.