President Bola Tinubu on Sunday handed over the leadership of ECOWAS to President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
The handover took place during the 67th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja.
Tinubu’s tenure as chairman ended after serving two terms, starting from July 9, 2023, when he was elected in Guinea-Bissau.
He was re-elected in 2024 to ensure stability and progress in the regional body’s goals on peace, development, and unity.
The leadership transition put an end to rumours that Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, had been chosen in a private meeting before the official event.
President Bio, now taking over the role, promised to focus on four main areas: bringing back constitutional order, improving democracy, strengthening regional security, boosting economic ties, and restoring trust in ECOWAS institutions.
The new chapter comes at a time when the region faces challenges with military takeovers, economic hardship, and calls for unity among member countries.
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