Abuja: The ECOWAS Commission has welcomed General Birame Diop of Senegal as its new President, marking a significant leadership change after the conclusion of the previous administration's four-year term. This transition was celebrated during a welcome and send-off event held at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, where various incoming and outgoing statutory appointees were recognized. General Diop succeeds Dr. Omar Alieu Touray of The Gambia, while Anthony Ogunjimi of Nigeria steps in as the new Vice President, replacing Damtien Tchintchibidja of Togo.
According to African Press Organization, the ceremony featured several key moments, including the launch of the ECOWAS@50 Special Exclusive Publication by Africa Agenda Network in collaboration with the ECOWAS Commission. Notable activities included the presentation of the Management Performance Compendium to the incoming President, along with the signing of handover notes by the outgoing and incoming Presidents, Vice Presidents, and other statutory appointees. The newly appointed officials include Dr. Kalilou Sylla from C´te d'Ivoire, Francess Piagie Alghali from Sierra Leone, Dehpue Yenpea Zuo from Liberia, Amin Amidu Sulemani from Ghana, Nassirou Bako-Arifari from Benin, Carla Maria Borges Bettencourt from Cabo Verde, Dr. Palokinam Pitche from Togo, and Mam Cherno Jallow.
Outgoing officials, including Dr. Habibu Bappah, Dr. Kalilou Sylla, Prof. Fatou Sow Sarr, Joao Alage Mamadu Fadia, and Dr. Melchior Assi, were honored for their service. In his farewell address, Dr. Touray expressed gratitude and highlighted the achievements of his tenure, emphasizing the legacy of institutional and regional accomplishments left behind.
In his inaugural speech, General Diop emphasized the need for unity, solidarity, and mutual respect to advance regional integration and enhance the ECOWAS Commission's effectiveness. He urged collective efforts to build a cohesive and efficient institution capable of addressing the aspirations and challenges of West Africa. Diop called for open communication channels and collaboration with entities like the Alliance of Sahel States to tackle shared challenges such as security, connectivity, and cross-border projects.
Nigeria's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, urged the new ECOWAS leadership to prioritize the implementation of regional programs that yield tangible and lasting results. He highlighted the importance of initiatives that improve the lives of Community citizens, strengthen regional integration, and contribute to peace, security, and sustainable development across West Africa. Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to supporting ECOWAS, emphasizing the need for the Community to translate policies into concrete improvements for West Africans.
As ECOWAS embarks on this new phase under its new leadership, the focus remains on delivering measurable results through strengthened cooperation and prioritizing the needs of Community citizens. This approach aims to renew confidence in the regional project and fulfill its promise of a more peaceful, connected, prosperous, and united West Africa.