Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone, has been appointed the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, whose two-term tenure has concluded. The leadership transition took place during the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
This development came despite earlier claims that Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had been selected during a closed-door meeting before the session began. In his inaugural address, President Bio outlined four key priorities: restoring constitutional governance and strengthening democracy, enhancing regional security cooperation, advancing economic integration, and reinforcing institutional trust.
President Tinubu was initially chosen as chairman in Guinea-Bissau on July 9, 2023, and re-elected in Abuja a year later as part of a strategy by regional leaders to maintain continuity in addressing issues of security, reconciliation, and development.In his farewell speech, Tinubu expressed gratitude to fellow leaders for entrusting him with the role on two occasions.
He stated, “As we look ahead to West Africa’s future, I am confident that with continued unity among member states, ECOWAS will achieve greater progress in our shared goals of peace, security, stability, and prosperity.”
Reflecting on his tenure, he acknowledged the complexity of challenges faced over the past two years, including political transitions and security threats, and thanked all member states for their support.
He called on ECOWAS leaders to stay alert and adaptable to the changing needs of the West African populace. “Let’s strengthen cooperation through diplomacy and promote inclusive development that benefits all, particularly our youth, women, and vulnerable groups, who are central to our region’s future,” he urged.
He emphasized that ECOWAS must maintain a careful balance between its founding aim of economic integration and the political, security, and governance issues affecting the region.”Economic integration cannot thrive in an unstable political setting. That is why our commitment to tackling these and other emerging challenges must not waver,” Tinubu concluded.
Source : https://www.channelstv.com/
