ECOWAS: Tinubu Steps Aside As Bio Steps In

• Urges member states to close ranks

By PHC Telegraph

A new Chairman that will steer the affairs of the Economic  Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has been named.

He is President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.

Speaking while handing over to his successor, the Nigerian President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria whose tenure has just lapsed expressed strong confidence that the ECOWAS region would continue to  travel a path of peace, stability and prosperity.

President Tinubu said he was humbled the support extended to throughout his two-year tenure, saying he enjoyed the profound honour and privilege of leading the body.

The Nigerian President declared, “As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa.

“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region.”‏

Reflecting on his tenure, President Tinubu recalled the complex political and security challenges faced by the region and called on leaders to remain committed to the needs of citizens of the subregion.

“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind especially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations, who remain central to the future of our region,” Tinubu remarked.

Stressing the need  to preserve democratic values and guarantee political stability, he emphasized, “Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security, and governance challenges, including the preservation of democratic values in our region.”

“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these emerging challenges,” the Nigerian leader noted.

President Tinubu lauded the ECOWAS Commission, community institutions, and technical staff for their dedication and professionalism in supporting the Authority’s work and organising a successful summit.

He reaffirmed his commitment to the region’s shared mission and urged member states to promote unity amongst them.

As he put it, “As you return to your respective countries, let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa.”

In his speech, President Bio of Sierra Leone, elected Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, outlined four key priorities.

“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law.

“We must overhaul our collective security architecture—from intelligence sharing to rapid response capabilities—to confront new threats with unity and resolve.

“The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, regional infrastructure, and cross-border value chains must become engines of job creation, trade, and resilience, especially for our women and youth.

“ECOWAS must reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people. This is how we will rebuild trust in regional cooperation”, the new Chairman explained.

President Bio commended his predecessor, for laying a solid foundation for regional dialogue, solid economic recovery, and peacebuilding.’

“I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established,” he said, thanking President Tinubu for his “experience and leadership. ”

Acknowledging the complexities of the current moment, the Sierra Leonean leader noted, “The democratic space is under strain in parts of our region. In some countries, the constitutional order has been disrupted. Yet, across West Africa, citizens—especially our youth—are demanding not just elections, but also accountability, transparency, and a fair stake in national life.”