In a major development for regional leadership in West Africa, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially handed over the ECOWAS Chairmanship to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone. The transition took place during the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held on Sunday in Abuja, Nigeria.
President Tinubu, who has led the regional body since July 2023, described his tenure as a “profound honour and privilege,” noting that the ECOWAS Commission has made significant strides in promoting peace, regional stability, and economic development during his time in office.
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“As I hand over the mantle of leadership to my brother and friend, President Bio, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa,” Tinubu said.
- Reflecting on his leadership, Tinubu acknowledged the security threats, political instability, and governance challenges that the subregion has faced. He urged ECOWAS leaders to remain committed to democratic values, inclusive governance, and the economic integration of the West African region.
- “Our organisation must continue to strike a balance between its core mandate of regional economic integration and the need to preserve democratic stability,” Tinubu added.
- He also called on member states to pay special attention to the youth, women, and vulnerable populations, emphasizing their role in building a stronger, united West Africa.
In his acceptance speech, President Bio outlined his four-point agenda to transform ECOWAS into a more people-focused and action-driven regional body:
- Restoring constitutional order and strengthening democracy
- Enhancing regional security cooperation
- Boosting economic integration and cross-border trade
- Reforming ECOWAS institutions for greater efficiency and transparency
President Bio also emphasized the need to tackle urgent regional issues such as terrorism in the Sahel, transnational crime, illicit arms flow, and the erosion of democratic norms in some ECOWAS member states.
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“We must overhaul our security architecture and strengthen democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law,” Bio stated.
He thanked President Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and affirmed his commitment to building on the solid foundation laid by Nigeria’s leader.
As West Africa continues to face geopolitical challenges, both leaders reiterated the need for unity, cooperation, and a shared vision that prioritizes development, democracy, and the well-being of the people of the region.
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