On July 9, 2023, President Bola Tinubu officially became chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
During his tenure, three nations—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—exited ECOWAS and formed a breakaway bloc called the AES.
This split followed the Nigerien political crisis, where ECOWAS, led by Tinubu, threatened military action to restore democracy.
Tinubu and ECOWAS faced regional backlash after suggesting forceful intervention in Niger’s post-coup transitional government structure.
The departing countries—now military-led—accused ECOWAS of being controlled by Western powers undermining African self-determination and national sovereignty. Formed in September 2023, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) responded to ECOWAS pressure by promoting independent regional cooperation.
Tinubu and ECOWAS have now transitioned leadership, with Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio taking over the bloc’s reins.
President Tinubu made a public statement, expressing gratitude and optimism for ECOWAS’s future under new leadership direction.
“Today, I handed over ECOWAS leadership to my brother, H.E. Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra-Leone,” Tinubu announced.
He stated that his chairmanship ended with a sense of achievement despite the regional tensions and growing external pressure.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity, shared values, and regional integration in overcoming West Africa’s security and economic challenges.
He said West Africa must remain firm in protecting its people and sustaining democratic governance across all member states.
Tinubu and ECOWAS may have faced tough political terrain, but the call for peace and unity still stands strong. The AES split now poses long-term questions about the future relevance and authority of ECOWAS in West African politics.
As leadership transitions, observers await how President Bio will address tensions and reshape ECOWAS’s role amid regional division.
TODAY’S TOP STORIES;
https://umpirenews.com/ndlea-arrests-makeup-artist-with-cocaine-at-lagos-airport/
