Leaders from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) gathered in Abuja, Nigeria, for the 68th Ordinary Session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government, which ended on December 14, 2025. The summit brought together heads of state from ECOWAS member countries to discuss regional challenges and future plans.
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who serves as Chair of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, officially opened the session. In his remarks to the press following the meeting, President of the ECOWAS Commission Dr. Omar Alieu Touray outlined several key outcomes.
The conference reaffirmed ECOWAS’s position against unconstitutional changes in government. “The Authority welcomed the peaceful and credible conduct of recent elections in several Member States and commended ongoing preparations for elections scheduled for the coming year,” Dr. Touray said.
Addressing developments in The Gambia, ECOWAS leaders expressed concern about statements made by a former president currently in exile. They noted these actions violated asylum conditions and could threaten national stability. Leaders emphasized that all individuals are subject to the law and warned against efforts to destabilize the country. “No individual is above the law, including in cases of alleged human rights violations,” they stated.
On Benin, ECOWAS condemned an attempted coup d’état and praised both national security forces and regional mechanisms such as elements from the ECOWAS Standby Force for their swift response.
The summit also provided an opportunity for leaders to reflect on how global changes might affect progress toward ECOWAS Vision 2050—a strategy aimed at promoting inclusive and sustainable development across West Africa.
Heads of State reiterated their goal to strengthen social justice within ECOWAS and improve economic integration through measures like establishing a single market, better fiscal coordination, and supporting macroeconomic stability.
Senegal was chosen to chair the ECOWAS Commission from 2026 to 2030. This appointment signals confidence among member states in Senegal’s leadership role within both regional and continental integration efforts.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue working toward a safer, more unified, and prosperous West Africa.