In a significant decision, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has reappointed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu as Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government for an additional one-year term.
During the 65th Ordinary Summit held in Abuja on Sunday, July 8, 2024, ECOWAS leaders unanimously supported Tinubu’s continued leadership, acknowledging his adept management of the regional bloc amid military coups and security crises.
President Tinubu accepted the reappointment and named the President of Senegal to assist in mediation efforts with Burkina Faso, Niger, and Chad.
Throughout his initial term, Tinubu emphasized the importance of good governance, democracy, and economic integration to address West Africa’s instability. He promoted a united approach to combating security issues, including the jihadist insurgency in the Sahel.
The decision to extend Tinubu’s chairmanship comes as the bloc faces ongoing challenges from military takeovers in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Under Tinubu’s leadership, ECOWAS imposed stringent sanctions on these junta-led states, prompting their withdrawal from the regional organization and the creation of a competing group, the Alliance of Sahel States (ASS).