Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio was elected chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday, succeeding Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu during the 67th Ordinary Session in Abuja. The transition comes as West Africa grapples with ending escalating violence, military coups, and economic strain, placing Bio at the helm of a pivotal moment.

In his acceptance speech, Bio outlined a four-pillar agenda: restoring constitutional order, revitalizing security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and rebuilding institutional credibility. “We must engage transitional governments constructively and support stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law,” he said, addressing the democratic backsliding in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which have exited ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States.

Bio emphasized overhauling ECOWAS’ security architecture to counter jihadist threats in the Sahel and coastal states, where terrorism and transnational crime test regional resilience. He also pledged to advance trade liberalization and infrastructure to drive job creation, particularly for youth and women.

Tinubu, who led ECOWAS for two terms since July 2023, handed over the chairmanship emblem, expressing optimism for the bloc’s future. “I am confident ECOWAS will scale greater heights under Bio’s leadership,” he said, reflecting on his tenure’s efforts to foster dialogue and peacebuilding despite political and security challenges.