Senegal’s President Faye becomes one of ECOWAS’ youngest Chairmen

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken over the leadership of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, bringing a new generation of leadership to the regional bloc.

At 46, Faye becomes one of the youngest figures to occupy the rotating ECOWAS chairmanship, marking a significant moment for a region where the organisation has traditionally been led by more experienced political leaders.

Faye was elected chairman during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on Sunday, July 19, 2026, succeeding Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, who previously held the position.

His rise to the regional leadership role follows his historic election as Senegal’s president in 2024 at the age of 44, making him Senegal’s youngest president and one of Africa’s youngest elected heads of state.

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As such, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, took to Facebook to congratulate Faye and wish him well.

“Ghana congratulates the newly elected Chairman of ECOWAS, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of the Republic of Senegal. We wish him great success, wisdom and courage in his stewardship. President Faye can always count on Ghana’s principled support and genuine cooperation,” the post read.

Faye assumes the ECOWAS chairmanship at a challenging period for the bloc, which is dealing with security concerns, democratic pressures and efforts to maintain regional unity amid political tensions in parts of West Africa.

FKA/BAI

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