President Maada Bio Elected as New ECOWAS Chairperson

By Mavis Emefa Goka ,June 23, 2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has elected Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio, as its new Chairperson during the bloc’s 67th Ordinary Session held yesterday, 22 June 2025 in Abuja,Nigeria.

His election comes at a pivotal time for the sub-region, which continues to grapple with political instability, security threats, and stalled democratic transitions.

President Bio takes over from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the region in the face of multiple military coups and rising extremist violence in the Sahel.

In his acceptance remarks, President Bio outlined a four-point priority agenda for his chairmanship, pledging to:

Restore constitutional order and reinforce democratic governance,

Strengthen security cooperation across member states,

Accelerate regional economic integration, and

Rebuild public confidence in ECOWAS as a credible regional institution.

“This is a moment that demands collective action. Our people deserve peace, prosperity, and democratic leadership,” President Bio said. “I will work tirelessly with all member states to promote stability and unity in our region.”

His leadership is expected to revive ECOWAS’s diplomatic engagement with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—countries currently suspended from the bloc following military coups. Bio's background as a former military leader turned democratically elected president is seen as particularly relevant for navigating the complex regional dynamics.

Outgoing Chairperson Bola Tinubu praised Bio’s commitment to regional development and democratic ideals.

“President Bio brings both experience and vision at a time ECOWAS needs to be bold, decisive, and united,” Tinubu said. “I am confident he will steer the organization toward greater cohesion and impact.”

The summit in Abuja also addressed pressing issues such as the threat of terrorism, organized crime, and economic challenges facing the region’s youth and women.

Founded in 1975, ECOWAS is a 15-member regional bloc with the mandate to promote economic integration, peace, and good governance across West Africa. The role of Chairperson rotates annually among heads of state.
President Bio’s term begins immediately, as ECOWAS navigates one of the most turbulent periods in its 49-year history.