Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio Elected ECOWAS Chairman, Succeeds Nigeria’s Tinubu
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio has been elected Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State, taking over from Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the 67th Ordinary Summit in Abuja.
Padmore Yankey 
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has been elected as the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The decision was reached at the 67th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Summit, held in Abuja, Nigeria, where regional leaders convened to address pressing security, political, and economic issues across West Africa.
Leadership Transition at a Crucial Time
President Bio’s election comes at a time when the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is grappling with complex regional challenges — including the resurgence of military coups, transnational terrorism, and economic instability across member states.
As he assumes leadership of the bloc, President Bio is expected to prioritize regional peace, democratic governance, and economic cooperation, key themes at the heart of the Abuja summit.
President Tinubu’s Tenure Concludes
Outgoing Chairman President Tinubu was commended for his efforts in engaging transitional governments, promoting constitutional order, and attempting to mediate political instability in countries such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.
Looking Forward: Bio’s Regional Mandate
President Bio, known for his democratic credentials and commitment to civil reform in Sierra Leone, has pledged to continue building on ECOWAS’s vision for integration, security, and prosperity.
His leadership will also be tested by the need to restore unity within the bloc, especially following the decision of some Sahelian nations to suspend their ECOWAS membership in recent years.
With West Africa at a critical juncture, President Julius Maada Bio’s election signals a new chapter for ECOWAS. His challenge will be to lead with diplomacy and direction — steering the regional bloc toward stability, cooperation, and economic growth.
