President Maada Bio Ends Tenure as ECOWAS Chairman

Sierra Leone President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has ended his position as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government after regional leaders elected Senegal’s President as his successor.

President Bio, who assumed the ECOWAS chairmanship in June, 2025, failed to secure endorsement for a second term as the regional bloc’s leader during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Lungi, Sierra Leone.

The decision marks the end of President Bio’s tenure at the helm of the regional organisation, with Senegal’s President now taking responsibility for leading ECOWAS and advancing its regional integration, peace, security, and economic development agenda.

President Bio’s chairmanship was characterised by efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, promote democratic governance, and address key challenges affecting West Africa.

The transition comes as ECOWAS continues to navigate pressing regional issues, including political instability, economic integration, and efforts to maintain unity among member states.