The Authority of Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has unanimously endorsed the candidature of President John Mahama for the Chairmanship of the African Union (AU).
This decisive backing, which follows earlier support from the region’s Ministers of Foreign Affairs, consolidates West Africa’s bid to lead the continental body. The endorsement was a key outcome of the 68th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority, held on Sunday in Abuja.
Although the summit’s agenda was dominated by urgent security concerns — including the recent attempted coup in Benin and ongoing instability in Guinea-Bissau — the unified support for President Mahama reflects a strategic effort to project West Africa’s influence on the broader African stage.
The formal endorsement by the assembled heads of state represents the highest level of regional backing, confirming the earlier recommendation made by ECOWAS Foreign Ministers during their preparatory meeting in Abuja. His bid is widely seen as an opportunity to strengthen the linkage between regional and continental governance, particularly on issues of peace, security, and economic integration.
Security Challenges Dominate Summit
The endorsement came against the backdrop of a summit largely focused on security threats confronting the sub-region. Leaders opened their meeting with a firm condemnation of the December 7 attempted coup in Benin and the continuing political crisis in Guinea-Bissau.
ECOWAS Chair, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, commended the rapid deployment of the ECOWAS Standby Force to support the government of Benin — a move acknowledged by both the AU and the United Nations.
In his address, President Bio described the summit as a critical moment for the 50-year-old bloc, noting: “Our collective security and our democratic resilience are under test.”
Alongside the endorsement of President Mahama, leaders agreed on concrete measures, including maintaining the suspension of Guinea-Bissau and mandating a high-level mediation mission to the country.
Economic Decisions and Regional Integration
The summit also reaffirmed commitment to a comprehensive review of the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, aimed at boosting intra-regional trade.
In a landmark decision with direct implications for citizens, the Authority announced that member states will abolish certain air transport taxes and reduce associated charges by 25 per cent, effective January 1, 2026, to lower the cost of travel within West Africa.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Touray, further announced the operationalisation of the ECOWAS Business Council, to be led by Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote.
Regional Fractures
The summit took place amid continued regional fractures, with Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger absent following their withdrawal from the bloc.
---Graphic Online
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