The four-year tenure of Dr Omar Alieu Touray as President of the ECOWAS Commission is set to end in July 2026, marking the conclusion of his mandate that began on 3 July 2022 following his unanimous appointment to lead the regional institution for the 2022–2026 term.
As preparations intensify for a leadership transition, the Government of Senegal has announced its intention to present a candidate for the position of President of the ECOWAS Commission.
In a communiqué issued by the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad, the authorities confirmed that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will propose retired Air Force General Birame Diop, currently Minister of the Armed Forces, at the upcoming ECOWAS Summit of Heads of State and Government scheduled for July 2026.
The statement said General Diop’s candidacy reflects Senegal’s commitment to presenting a highly qualified and experienced candidate to lead the regional bloc, citing his leadership record, integrity and extensive experience in peace, security, governance and regional integration.
General Diop has held several senior military and government positions, including Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Chief of the Private Staff of the President and Chief of Staff of the Air Force. He also served as military adviser to the United Nations Secretary-General in the Department of Peace Operations, contributing to international peacekeeping and conflict prevention efforts.
He has additionally worked with the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies, where he contributed to training senior African civilian and military officials on security and development issues.
Meanwhile, President Faye undertook a one-day official visit to The Gambia on 30 May 2026, during which he held talks with President Adama Barrow at State House. No details of the discussions were disclosed to the press.
However, the timing of the visit has prompted speculation among observers that consultations related to the forthcoming ECOWAS leadership transition may have been part of the discussions, given the importance of regional consensus in such appointments.
The ECOWAS Commission presidency is a key position within the regional bloc, responsible for policy implementation, coordination of integration programmes and management of regional cooperation initiatives. The selection of the next Commission President is expected to be a major decision amid ongoing political and security challenges in West Africa.
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