The Heads of State wish to shape the future of integration by strengthening regional security, economic integration, inclusive development, the rule of law and human capital. With regard to relations with the Alliance of Sahel States, the conference of heads of state extended the mandate of negotiator Lansana Kouyaté until December 2026 and emphasised that negotiations will take place exclusively as a unified bloc.
At the 69th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, the Heads of State and Government welcomed the steady progress made in consolidating democracy, reaffirmed their collective commitment to launching the single currency, the ECO, in 2027, and reiterated their dedication to solidarity, cooperation and integration within the Community.
“We have adopted the declaration of commitment to the Pact for the Future of Regional Integration. This pact represents our shared commitment to renew ECOWAS for a new era, with stronger institutions and a more competitive economy.”
JULIUS MAADA BIO, President of the Republic – Sierra Leone
The conclusion of this 69th conference saw President Bassirou Diomaye Faye elected as the new Chair of the ECOWAS Conference of Heads of State and Government, which emphasised the urgent need to strengthen bonds of trust in order to implement community projects and initiatives.
“In responsibly accepting this mission that you have just entrusted to me, I bear in mind the weighty legacy of 50 years of solidarity and patient nation-building, driven by the vision and commitment of our illustrious predecessors who believed, against all odds, in the ideal of integration. I pledge, together with you, to keep this legacy alive by adapting it to the challenges of our time, namely collective security, institutional stability, political and economic sovereignty, and a more audible and credible voice for West Africa.”
BASSIROU DIOMAYE FAYE, President of the Republic, Chairman of ECOWAS – Senegal
Regarding relations with the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), the Conference of Heads of State extended the mandate of chief negotiator Lansana Kouyaté until December 2026 and stressed that negotiations would be conducted exclusively with the Alliance acting as a unified bloc.
