President Bio of Sierra Leone Takes Over as ECOWAS Chair from Nigeria’s Tinubu

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has been appointed the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The leadership transition took place on Sunday during the 67th Ordinary Session of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government in Abuja.

Tinubu officially handed over the role after completing his tenure, which began in July 2023 when he was first elected in Guinea-Bissau. He was re-elected in 2024 during the bloc’s summit in Abuja to provide continuity in efforts toward regional security, reconciliation, and development.

President Bio, in his acceptance remarks, outlined four priorities for his tenure: restoring constitutional order and strengthening democracy, enhancing regional security collaboration, accelerating economic integration, and reinforcing institutional credibility.

There had been earlier speculation that Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye might assume the chairmanship, following a private meeting before the summit. However, the official announcement confirmed Bio as the new leader of the regional bloc.

President Tinubu, in his final address as chair, reiterated the urgent need to operationalise the ECOWAS Standby Force to address persistent security challenges in West Africa.