At the end of 2025, a year marked by the fiftieth anniversary of ECOWAS, the regional institution is embarking on a strategic turning point. Now under the leadership of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, this presidency aims to make it a true driving force for strengthening cohesion among member countries while providing concrete solutions to the major security and economic challenges facing the sub-region.
At 45, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed the rotating chairmanship of ECOWAS following his election at the 69th Summit of Heads of State and Government. In a context marked by major regional challenges, the Senegalese president took the political reins of the intergovernmental organization, which comprises 12 member states and nearly 450 million inhabitants.
« I pledge to you to perpetuate this legacy while modernizing it in the face of current challenges: collective security, the stability of our institutions, economic and political sovereignty, and a stronger voice for West Africa. »
DIOMAYE FAYE, Current Chairperson of ECOWAS – Senegal
To address the growing terrorism in West Africa, Bassirou Diomaye Faye made security a central priority. His actions aim to intensify interstate cooperation, operationally deploy the regional counter-terrorism force, and increase the protection of communities exposed to instability.
“Faced with the magnitude of our current challenges—the spread of terrorism, internal and interstate tensions, anti-democratic tendencies, the resurgence of crises, and foreign political and military interference—our successes still appear insufficient. This is why it is imperative to work towards uniting the greater African family, in order to fully mobilize our energies and resources in service of the community integration project that unites us.”
DIOMAYE FAYE, Current Chairperson of ECOWAS – Senegal
To consolidate regional economic integration, the current president aims to revitalize major community projects. This includes the single currency ECO, the free movement of goods and people, the financial autonomy of ECOWAS, and key institutional reforms.
“It is equally essential to strengthen our conflict prevention mechanisms through consultation and dialogue. Furthermore, the development of a strong and prosperous ECOWAS absolutely requires the mobilization of qualified, dedicated, and highly skilled human resources.”
DIOMAYE FAYE, President of the Republic – Senegal
President Diomaye Faye also reaffirmed his commitment to maintaining dialogue with the countries of the Alliance of Sahel States. To preserve the unity and stability of West Africa, he considers the strategic rapprochement between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States a fundamental pillar of his action.
