ECOWAS Leaders, Including President Bio, to Elect New Chairperson at 63rd Summit

July 7, 2024

President Julius Maada Bio, along with other Heads of State and Government from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has gathered in Abuja for the 63rd Ordinary Summit. This significant meeting, which commenced at 1 pm, brings together leaders and representatives from 12 member states. The primary agenda is to discuss pressing regional issues and elect a new chairperson for the forthcoming year.

The summit also marks the conclusion of Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, which ends on July 9, 2024. President Tinubu was unanimously endorsed as chairman during the 62nd Ordinary Session held in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, in July 2023.

Throughout his tenure, President Tinubu has faced numerous challenges, particularly dealing with military coups in several member states. His administration initially responded to these unconstitutional changes in government by imposing sanctions on Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea. These sanctions were later lifted as ECOWAS moved towards more peaceful and diplomatic resolutions.

There are speculations that the summit may consider extending President Tinubu’s tenure. An extension would allow him additional time to focus on reintegrating Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso into the regional bloc and addressing the ongoing political instability and challenges in these nations.