Regional bloc appoints judges, commissioners, and agency heads as Touray steps down
LUNGI, Sierra Leone – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has approved a sweeping slate of new appointments across its key institutions, filling strategic positions that will shape the bloc’s direction from 2026 to 2030.
The appointments were finalized during the 69th Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Lungi, Sierra Leone, and chaired by Sierra Leone’s President Dr. Julius Bio.
New Leadership at the ECOWAS Court
The regional body has appointed five new judges to the ECOWAS Court of Justice:
· Awa Bah (The Gambia)
· Charlyne Brumskine (Liberia)
· Désiré Aihou (Benin)
· Henrietta Didigu (Nigeria)
· Yaouza Ouro-Sama (Togo), who will also continue as Chief Registrar
Fresh Faces at the ECOWAS Commission
Five new commissioners have been appointed to replace outgoing officials at the ECOWAS Commission:
Commissioner Country Portfolio
Francess Alghali Sierra Leone Political Affairs, Peace & Security
Dehpue Zuo Liberia Economic Affairs & Agriculture
Kalilou Sylla Ivory Coast Internal Services
Amin Suleiman Ghana Infrastructure, Energy & Digitalisation
Nassirou Bako-Arifari Benin Human Development & Social Affairs
Key Agency Appointments
Other significant appointments include:
· Carla Bettencourt (Cape Verde) – Auditor-General for ECOWAS Institutions
· Dr. Palokinam Pitche (Togo) – Director-General, West African Health Organization (WAHO)
· Mam Jallow (The Gambia) – Director-General, Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA)
Nigeria Requests Extension on VP Position
The Authority has granted Nigeria’s request for an additional two weeks to review and resolve the ECOWAS vice-president position, which has been allocated to the country.
Leadership Transition at the Commission
The Authority expressed “profound appreciation” to outgoing ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Touray for his distinguished service, while officially welcoming his successor, Gen. Birame Diop of Senegal.
“The Authority expresses confidence in the incoming President’s extensive diplomatic, military, and strategic expertise to provide strategic leadership to deepen regional integration and address regional challenges,” the communique stated.
High-Level Attendance
The summit drew significant participation, including Presidents Romuald Wadagni (Benin), José Neves (Cape Verde), Adama Barrow (The Gambia), John Mahama (Ghana), Joseph Boakai (Liberia), and Bassirou Faye (Senegal). Also present were Vice Presidents Tiémoko Koné (Côte d’Ivoire) and Kashim Shettima (Nigeria), along with several foreign ministers and dignitaries.
Notable attendees included UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, ECOWAS Chief Negotiator Dr. Lansana Kouyaté, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the ECOWAS Business Council.
