The 68th Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government commenced on Sunday in Abuja.
The summit, holding at the State House Conference Centre, brings together regional leaders to deliberate on key issues affecting West Africa, including political stability, regional security, and economic cooperation among member states.
Chairing the session is the President of Sierra Leone and current ECOWAS Authority Chairman, Julius Maada Bio, who arrived in Abuja on Saturday ahead of the meeting. In a statement shared upon his arrival, President Bio expressed readiness to engage fellow leaders on the pressing challenges confronting the region.
A major highlight of the summit is a special debate focused on the future of the ECOWAS community, alongside discussions on recent developments in Guinea-Bissau and Benin. Leaders are also expected to receive updates on ongoing security and mediation efforts across the sub-region.
Other agenda items include the presentation of the 2025 annual report on the state of the ECOWAS community, an assessment of progress in Guinea’s political transition, and a review of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme.
The meeting is expected to conclude with the adoption of a final communiqué, followed by a joint press conference by the regional leaders.
Earlier in the week, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja unanimously endorsed Ghana’s President, John Mahama, as the bloc’s sole candidate for the position of Chairperson of the African Union when the rotational slot returns to West Africa in 2027.
