The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the appointment of H.E. General Birame Diop of Senegal as President of the ECOWAS Commission for the 2026–2030 term.

The appointment, endorsed by the Authority of Heads of State and Government, reflects the confidence placed in General Diop’s extensive diplomatic, military, and strategic expertise to provide visionary leadership in deepening regional integration and addressing the evolving political, economic, and security challenges facing the Community.

In further strengthening the leadership of the Commission, the Authority also appointed five Commissioners to oversee key portfolios critical to the achievement of ECOWAS’ objectives.

The newly appointed Commissioners are:

• Mrs. Francess Piagie Alghali (Sierra Leone) – Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security
• Mr. Dehpue Yenpea Zuo (Liberia) – Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture
• Dr. Kalilou Sylla (Côte d’Ivoire) – Commissioner for Internal Services
• Mr. Amin Amidu Suleiman (Ghana) – Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy and Digitalisation
• Prof. Nassirou Bako-Arifari (Benin) – Commissioner for Human Development and Social Affairs

The individual appointed to the office of the Vice‑President was, however, not named because Nigeria— to which the position has been allocated—requested an additional two weeks to review and resolve the matter relating to the Vice‑President position and revert to the Commission.

Together, the President and Commissioners will provide strategic direction for the ECOWAS Commission as it advances regional integration, promotes economic growth, strengthens democratic governance, enhances peace and security, and improves the well-being of citizens across West Africa.

The appointments come at a critical moment for the Community as ECOWAS continues to respond to emerging regional challenges while pursuing its vision of an integrated, peaceful, and prosperous West Africa founded on solidarity, cooperation, and the rule of law.

A Message from the Centre for Community Law

The Centre for Community Law extends its heartfelt congratulations to H.E. General Birame Diop on his appointment as President of the ECOWAS Commission, as well as to the newly appointed Commissioners on assuming these important leadership responsibilities.

The Centre is confident that their collective experience, professionalism, and commitment to public service will strengthen the work of the ECOWAS Commission and advance the ideals of regional integration, good governance, sustainable development, and respect for Community law.

The Centre expresses it sincere appreciation to the outgoing President and Commissioners for their dedicated service and contributions to the advancement of the ECOWAS integration agenda.

As an institution committed to promoting Community law, legal research, and awareness of the ECOWAS legal framework, the Centre for Community Law looks forward to supporting initiatives that reinforce the implementation of Community law and strengthen the institutions that serve the people of West Africa.

We wish the new President and Commissioners every success in their tenure and look forward to the positive impact of their leadership in building a stronger, more united, and more prosperous ECOWAS Community.

Congratulations and best wishes for a successful and impactful tenure.

About the Centre for Community Law

The Centre for Community is a not-for-profit organization established as an Incorporated Trustee (Charity) under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in January 2020.

The objectives of the plaintiff include to promote the safeguards of ECOWAS laws and to enlighten citizens, officials and policy makers of the Nigerian state and ECOWAS on the rights and obligations created by ECOWAS laws; to use ECOWAS protocols as yardstick for evaluating government actions in relevant areas.