The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has formally selected former President John Dramani Mahama as the sub-region’s candidate for the Chairpersonship of the African Union (AU) when the rotational leadership position reaches West Africa in 2027.
The decision was reached unanimously during the ninety-fifth ordinary session of the ECOWAS Council of Ministers held in Abuja, Nigeria, reflecting a coordinated regional effort to present a unified West African voice on the continental stage. The recommendation is expected to be submitted to the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government for formal adoption at its next sitting on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Regional Unity and Strategic Positioning
In a statement issued on Friday, December 12, ECOWAS expressed appreciation to its member states for their collective support of Ghana’s candidacy, noting that consensus around a single candidate strengthens the bloc’s influence within the African Union and other international organizations.
According to the Council, the endorsement aligns with ECOWAS’ broader commitment to supporting qualified candidates from its member states in continental and global institutions, with the aim of safeguarding and advancing regional interests.
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“Determined to work in a concerted manner to support the candidates of ECOWAS Member States or their nationals in international organizations, including the African Union, to ensure that the interests of ECOWAS continue to be promoted and protected,” the statement said.
Why Mahama?
Officials familiar with the process say President Mahama’s experience in regional diplomacy and international engagement weighed heavily in the Council’s decision. As a former Head of State with extensive exposure to multilateral negotiations, Mahama is viewed within ECOWAS as a figure capable of articulating West Africa’s priorities on key continental issues, including peace and security, economic integration, democratic governance, and climate resilience.
Ghana’s longstanding role in regional mediation, peacekeeping operations, and diplomatic initiatives across Africa also bolstered the case for its candidate, according to regional sources.
Next Steps Toward AU Leadership
Once the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government formally adopts the recommendation, Ghana’s candidacy will become the official West African position ahead of the AU leadership transition. This unified backing is expected to play a critical role during subsequent continental consultations and voting processes.
The African Union Chairpersonship rotates among the continent’s regions, and ECOWAS’ early endorsement is seen as a strategic move to consolidate support well ahead of the 2027 transition.
Implications for West Africa and the Continent
Analysts note that securing the AU Chair would offer West Africa a stronger platform to shape discussions on conflict resolution, economic reform, infrastructure development, and institutional strengthening across the continent.
For ECOWAS, the nomination reinforces the bloc’s intention to remain an influential actor within Africa’s evolving political and economic architecture, particularly at a time when regional organizations are expected to play a greater role in managing continental challenges.
As preparations for the 2027 rotation begin, ECOWAS officials say the focus will remain on sustaining unity among member states while engaging other regions to build broader continental consensus around Ghana’s candidate.
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