NEW ECOWAS CHIEF URGES MEMBER STATES TO REBUILD TRUST AND UNITY

The newly appointed President of the Economic Community of West African States Commission, General Birame Diop, has called on member states to embrace tolerance, patience and mutual respect as the regional bloc works to overcome its current challenges.

Diop made the appeal on Monday in Abuja during the official handover ceremony marking the beginning of his tenure as head of the ECOWAS Commission. He took over from Dr Aliou Omar Touré as the organisation faces a period of significant political and institutional uncertainty.

The new ECOWAS chief said leaders within the organisation must recognise the diverse cultural backgrounds of member states and adopt a more patient and tolerant approach in their dealings with one another.

He described West Africa as being at a crossroads and stressed the need for stronger internal cohesion if the region is to effectively respond to its security, political and economic challenges.

A major focus of his remarks was the relationship between ECOWAS and the Alliance of Sahel States, following the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from the regional bloc.

Diop acknowledged that the departure of the three countries was a sovereign decision that ECOWAS must respect. However, he said the organisation would continue to keep communication channels open in the hope of finding areas of cooperation that could benefit both sides.

The ECOWAS Commission president stressed that the bloc should not allow political differences to permanently undermine relationships among West African countries.

He said the organisation's responsibility was to continue seeking opportunities for dialogue and cooperation while respecting the decisions taken by individual member states.

Diop's comments come at a delicate period for ECOWAS, which has faced disagreements with the three Sahel countries over political and security issues following military takeovers in the region.

The new leadership is therefore expected to focus on rebuilding confidence, strengthening regional cooperation and finding practical ways of maintaining engagement with countries that have moved away from the bloc.

Diop also emphasised the importance of unity among ECOWAS members, noting that the region's challenges require collective responses rather than deeper divisions.

He called for a leadership approach based on understanding, respect and tolerance, particularly given the different political and cultural realities across West Africa.

The new ECOWAS administration is expected to use these principles as it begins efforts to strengthen the regional organisation and deepen cooperation among its members and neighbouring states.

Diop's assumption of office marks the beginning of a new phase for the commission, with regional stability, cohesion and renewed engagement with the Sahel expected to remain among its major priorities.