The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, has a new Chairman of Authority of Heads of State and Government, he is President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
Bio, who is taking over from President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria was elected during the sixty seventh ordinary session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, in Abuja.
In his acceptance speech, the new Chair of Heads of state, called for a bold reimagining of the regional bloc’s mission which is placing people, at its centre and not politics.
He acknowledged the various factors mitigating against the growth of the region, ranging from deepening insecurity in the Sahel and coastal states, political instability, and the rise of transnational organised crime, to worsening food insecurity, climate shocks, and youth frustration over lack of opportunity.
According to him, region’s democratic space is under strain, and the it’s fabric is being tested, as across West Africa, citizens especially youths are not just demanding elections, they are demanding fairness, transparency, and a country that works for them.”
Bio however noted, the dedicated youthful population, abundant natural resources, and entrepreneurial spirit.
These he said remain West Africa’s greatest strengths.
He said his administration would hinge on four key priority areas for ECOWAS to transform into a “proactive, people-centred vehicle for peace, inclusion, and opportunity.
