Sierra Leone’s President Bio succeeds Tinubu as ECOWAS chairman

Abdullateef Fowewe

Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio has been named the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), succeeding Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who led the regional bloc for the past two years.

President Bio took over the leadership during the 2025 West Africa Economic Summit and the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government session held on Sunday, in Abuja, Nigeria, focusing on regional integration, economic cooperation, and security challenges.

Confirming the appointment, the Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, wrote on X (formerly Twitter), “Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio is the new chairman of ECOWAS. He succeeds President Bola Tinubu, who chaired the regional economic bloc for the past two years.”

However, the transition is a significant moment for ECOWAS as it continues to navigate complex political and economic issues in West Africa, including ongoing disputes and efforts to strengthen regional unity.