Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been elected chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at the bloc’s 69th Ordinary Session in Freetown, Sierra Leone.

The 46-year-old succeeds Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and assumes the leadership of the 12-member regional bloc at a pivotal moment for West Africa.

ECOWAS continues to grapple with rising insecurity linked to terrorism and violent extremism, political instability, and the departure of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger, which have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

In his new role, President Faye is expected to prioritise efforts to rebuild dialogue and confidence with the three breakaway countries while strengthening regional peace and security.

He is also expected to champion reforms aimed at improving democratic governance, increasing youth participation in decision-making, boosting economic integration and restoring confidence in ECOWAS institutions.

President Faye, who took office in April 2024 on a platform of reform, transparency and pan-African cooperation, has consistently advocated for dialogue over confrontation in addressing regional disputes.

His election is seen as an opportunity to inject fresh momentum into ECOWAS as it seeks to overcome one of the most challenging periods in its nearly 50-year history.