Nigerian President Tinubu is the new chair of ECOWAS
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Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, emerged as the Chairman of the Authority of the Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Sunday.
Tinubu’s new role was announced during the 63rd Ordinary Session of ECOWAS held in Guinea Bissau.
He succeeds President Umaro Embalo of Guinea Bissau as the ECOWAS chair.
The summit, which took place on Sunday, July 9, 2023, marks the president’s first international engagement within the African continent since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
According to Dele Alake, Special Adviser (Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy) to President Tinubu, the 16 regional leaders are expected to address important sub-regional issues, including the report of the 50th Ordinary Session of the Mediation and Security Council (MSC), which covers security challenges faced by member countries, the report of the 90th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers on the financial situation of the organization, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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Other matters discussed included the report on the status of transition in the Republics of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, the ECOWAS Single Currency Program, and the report on obstacles to the free movement of goods along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor.
What will be President Tinubu’s role in ECOWAS?
As the Chairman of ECOWAS, President Tinubu will ensure the resolution of conflicts in West Africa. In addition to conflict resolution, he will serve as a liaison with the President of the ECOWAS Commission. He will also collaborate with individuals responsible for the daily management and implementation of ECOWAS policies.
As the ECOWAS chairman, President Tinubu must promote democracy in West Africa. One of his responsibilities is to ensure that member states pursue the economic integration of the West African sub-region. President Tinubu has already taken action by declaring that the West African sub-region will no longer tolerate coups.
Former Nigerian leaders who have headed ECOWAS:
During his time as the Nigerian Head of State, Olusegun Obasanjo led ECOWAS from 1978 to 1979.
Muhammadu Buhari also led ECOWAS as Head of State from 1985 until August 27, 1985.
Ibrahim Babangida served as Head of State and led ECOWAS from August 27, 1985, until 1989.
Sani Abacha led ECOWAS from July 7, 1996, to June 8, 1998.
Abdulsalami Abubakar served as Head of State and led ECOWAS from June 9, 1998, to 1999.
Umaru Musa Yar’Adua led ECOWAS from December 19, 2008, to February 18, 2010.
Goodluck Jonathan led ECOWAS from February 18, 2010, to February 17, 2012.
Muhammadu Buhari served as President and led ECOWAS from July 31, 2018, to July 31, 2019.
