Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye named new ECOWAS Chair
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been chosen to lead the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, taking charge of the regional bloc at a pivotal moment.
Faye was chosen by West African leaders during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority in Sierra Leone. The 46-year-old president succeeds Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who assumed the rotating chairmanship in June 2025 after Nigerian President Bola Tinubu completed his term.
The appointment places Faye at the centre of efforts to determine the future direction of the 15-member regional organisation, particularly as ECOWAS continues to grapple with political instability, security threats and challenges to regional unity.
As chairperson, Faye will provide political leadership on major issues affecting West Africa, including economic integration, peace and security, democratic governance and cooperation among member states.
Faye’s election also comes as Senegal’s leader continues to gain prominence on the regional stage. He became Senegal’s youngest president after winning the 2024 presidential election and has advocated reforms, greater national sovereignty and deeper cooperation among African countries.
Meanwhile, General Birame Diop has been named President of the ECOWAS Commission, giving Senegal another key leadership role within the organisation.
Diop previously served as Senegal’s Minister of Defence and Chief of the General Staff of the Senegalese Armed Forces. He also served as an adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General, bringing military, government and international experience to his new position.
He is expected to formally assume the ECOWAS Commission presidency on September 1, 2026, at the organisation’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
With Faye leading the ECOWAS Authority and Diop heading its Commission, Senegal will now play a significant role in shaping the bloc’s political and administrative agenda at a critical period for West African integration and cooperation.
Written by Kweku Sampson for TheAfricanDream®
