ECOWAS appoints President Faye to mediate talks with Burkina Faso, Mali as well as Niger

This decision was made in the bustling city of Abuja, where the corridors of power in West Africa converged, for the 65th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government.

Leaders including President Adama Barrow gathered to address the region's most pressing issues, foremost among them the recent withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger from the regional bloc.

President Diomaye Faye of Senegal, known for his statesmanship and diplomatic finesse, found himself unexpectedly at the center of attention.

President Faye remained composed yet thoughtful officially accepted the honour before the heads of states.

Faye, who was recently elected in a landslide victory in March 2024 is seen as a leader who believes in the power of dialogue and cooperation to resolve even the most entrenched disputes.

President Diomaye Faye has all the credentials required to serve as facilitator for ECOWAS,” the President of ECOWAS Commission Dr. Omar Touray said. “And that is what the leaders have recognised in appointing him as facilitator for ECOWAS in the dialogue and engagement with the AES countries.

In another development during the summit, ECOWAS maintained that it intends to introduce a single currency in 2027 as planned.

Meanwhile, the President of Nigeria Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s mandate as the Chairman of ECOWAS has been extended.