The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has confirmed President Bola Tinubu as its new chairman.
Tinubu succeeds Guinea-Bissau's President Umaro Embalo as ECOWAS chair.
Tinubu’s emergence was announced at the 63rd Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS.
The President's first engagement on the African continent after taking office on May 29, 2023, was the summit of the 63rd Ordinary Session.
Tinubu, the newest member of the exclusive circle of West African Heads of State, promised to uphold the office's responsibilities and oversee an inclusive leadership of the regional body.
“We will take democracy seriously, Democracy is very tough but it is the best form of government,” he said upon his emergence.
Nevertheless, the Nigerian president issued a stern warning, stating that the sub-region's peace was now in grave jeopardy due to terrorism and a new pattern of military coups, which calls for immediate and coordinated response.
According to him, the region's growth and development are being impaired by insecurity and an unknown terrorism.
In order to realize the goals of ECOWAS, Tinubu urged member nations to operate as a group. He promised that, with his leadership, frameworks would be synchronized.
“On peace and security, the threat has reached an alarming level, and needs urgent actions in addressing the challenges. Indeed, without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive. In this regard, we must remain committed to the utilisation of all regional frameworks at our disposal to address the menace of insecurity,” Tinubu said, according to a statement by his spokesman, Dele Alake.
